Felipe Cardenas

In this podcast, experts discuss what Lionel Messi's arrival means for American soccer. They explore the impact of previous stars who tried to crack the USA, and analyze how Messi and Inter Miami will build on his arrival. Ex-MLS players share insights on playing soccer in the States and how Messi will fit in. The podcast also touches on the growth of soccer in the US, the influence of star players, and the aspirations of Inter Miami's owners.

Felipe Cardenas, Senior soccer writer at The Athletic, and Phil Hay, Football reporter at The Athletic, dive into the fallout of Inter Miami's early playoff exit. They discuss Messi's significant brand impact on MLS and the pressures on team management amid high expectations. The conversation touches on the hefty financial investments in soccer and the challenges facing clubs post-retirement of star players. They also analyze the transformative effects of the partnership between MLS and Apple, enhancing league visibility and fan engagement.

Matt Slater, a sports journalist from The Athletic, Adam Crafton, a sports contributor, and Felipe Cardenas, a hosting implications expert, dive into FIFA's new Club World Cup launching in the US. They discuss the tournament's updated format and its historical evolution. The conversation touches on challenges like sponsorship woes, qualification debates, and the financial prospects in American soccer. They also explore player welfare concerns with new tournaments and how this impacts the future of international football competitions.