Lionel Messi’s long-awaited arrival at Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami marks a turning point in the history of football in the United States and sports fans cannot help but wonder. There is a parallel with a similar event that occurred almost 48 years ago, when Pelé, another soccer legend, made his debut with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League back in 1975.
A remarkable article from the famous newspaper The Washington Post, titled “Long before Lionel Messi, Pelé brought soccer madness to the U.S.” brings back memories of that time, by establishing a comparison between the arrival of the Argentine on American soil and that of King Pelé.
READ MORE
++ Ancelotti warns the CBF that his priority is Real Madrid: ‘in the present and in the future’
++ Marta reveals a new dream when World Cup ends: getting pregnant
++ Pia assesses preparation period ahead of World Cup debut
The Washington Post brings back memories
The Washington Post account chronicles how Pelé’s first steps in the United States were transformative, sparking scepticism, hope and excitement all at once, much like Messi’s arrival. The article mentions that Messi’s arrival coincided with a dramatic increase in the number of followers and a surging demand for tickets.
The dazzling talent of Pelé, who died at the age of 82 last December, had also marked the spirits when he evolved with the Cosmos.
David Hirshey, Editor-in-Chief for Esquire and former Cosmos reporter for the New York Daily News, shares his memories in this article: “The arrival of Pelé caused a seismic shift in the American sports landscape. In two and a half years with the Cosmos, Pelé transformed American soccer, played until then by recent immigrants on gravelly pitches, into a vibrant national sport that drew more than 77,000 fans to Giants Stadium in New Jersey.”
Messi on the same tracks?
It looks like Messi’s impact is following the same pattern as Pele’s. Ticket prices to see Inter Miami, currently last in the conference, are skyrocketing.
According to information from The Athletic, even the cheapest places already reach 350 euros. It should be noted that these prices exceed those of tickets for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, when basketball is far more popular than football in the United States. This trend proves the undeniable appeal of Messi among American fans.
Is Messi the new King of the America?
