Today, Explained America is so Messi
Aug 25, 2023
Tom Bogert, a staff writer at The Athletic specializing in Major League Soccer, teams up with Roger Bennett, founder of Men in Blazers, to discuss the exciting arrival of Lionel Messi in the U.S. They dive into Messi's transformative impact on Inter-Miami and the league at large, boosting ticket sales and fan engagement. The conversation also touches on Messi's move from Barcelona to Miami, the cultural significance of soccer in America, and the heightened expectations for the sport’s future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Messi's Early Impact
- Roger Bennett correctly predicted Messi's World Cup win but was initially wrong about the timing of America's soccer boom.
- Messi's arrival has accelerated the timeline, making soccer's rise more prominent than expected.
Immediate Dominance
- Messi's performance has exceeded expectations, immediately dominating MLS despite a break after the World Cup.
- He joined Inter Miami, the worst team in the league, and quickly led them to win their first tournament.
Unique Deal
- Messi's deal with Inter Miami is unique, involving a cut of new Apple TV MLS Season Pass subscribers and potential team ownership.
- He turned down a $1.6 billion offer from Saudi Arabia, prioritizing lifestyle and the MLS opportunity.