Lionel Messi’s Potential Move to MLS: Brandi Chastain Predicts Impact on U.S. Soccer Landscape

Brandi Chastain Says Lionel Messi’s Move to Inter Miami Will Benefit Women’s Soccer

In a recent interview with CNN, former United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Brandi Chastain expressed optimism about Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami, stating that it will benefit both the men’s and women’s game collectively. Chastain dismissed the notion that Messi’s arrival in the MLS would diminish the success of women’s soccer, which has long been the dominant force in the country.

Chastain noted that women’s soccer has historically led the charge in the United States, with the men’s national team often being less successful. She attributed this disparity to the fact that many male athletes traditionally pursued other sports such as basketball, baseball, and American football. However, with the growing popularity of soccer in America and the arrival of high-profile players like Messi, Chastain believes that the sport now has the opportunity to thrive collectively.

The Legacy of Women’s Soccer in the US

Chastain, known for her iconic moment in women’s soccer when she scored the winning penalty in the 1999 Women’s World Cup final and celebrated by tearing off her shirt, emphasized the significant impact of women’s soccer in the US and around the world. The image of her celebration has become synonymous with the sport and helped solidify the legacy of women’s soccer.

The hope is that Messi’s arrival in the MLS will be another seismic moment for the growth of soccer in the US. While Apple TV does not publicly release viewership figures, a video clip of Messi scoring the game-winning goal in his Miami debut posted by the MLS received over 214 million views and more than 15 million social media engagements. This suggests that there is great excitement and interest surrounding Messi’s move.

Messi’s Impact on the MLS and Women’s Soccer

Lianne Sanderson, a former England star who also spoke in the interview, likened Messi’s impact to when David Beckham first moved to the MLS. Beckham’s signing for LA Galaxy in 2007 created significant buzz and helped elevate the profile of soccer in the United States. Sanderson believes Messi’s move will have a similar effect, stating that it will not take away from women’s soccer but will instead make it even better.

Furthermore, Messi’s signing is expected to be a boon for Apple’s streaming package, MLS Season Pass, which is approaching 1 million subscribers. The company anticipates that this number will increase even further once Messi starts playing. The economic success of the MLS and the increased attention and viewership for soccer in America can indirectly benefit women’s soccer by bringing in more resources and opportunities for growth.

Addressing Inequalities in Prize Money

While the growing popularity and success of women’s soccer are evident, there are still significant inequalities that need to be addressed. The 2023 Women’s World Cup, for example, features 32 teams for the first time, with ticket sales already breaking records. However, prize money for the women’s tournament remains considerably lower than the men’s. On average, female players at the 2023 Women’s World Cup will earn just 25 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts at the men’s World Cup last year.

Chastain acknowledges that there is still work to be done in achieving equality in women’s soccer. She states that players want to be treated with the respect and recognition they deserve. Despite the progress made since 1999, when Chastain and her USWNT teammates won the Women’s World Cup, there is still plenty of room for growth and improvement. However, she remains optimistic about the future.

Unleashing the Untapped Talent in Women’s Soccer

Chastain believes that women’s soccer possesses a deep and rich well of talent that has yet to be fully tapped into. She mentions that sponsors and television rights are starting to recognize the value and potential of women’s football, which indicates a positive trend for the sport.

While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that women’s soccer continues to grow and flourish. Increasing investment in the sport, addressing wage disparities, and providing more opportunities for female athletes are crucial steps in creating a sustainable and successful future for women’s soccer.

Conclusion

Brandi Chastain’s optimism about Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami reflects a broader sentiment within the soccer community that the sport’s growth benefits both men’s and women’s soccer. The increased attention and resources that come with high-profile signings like Messi can indirectly help elevate women’s soccer and address some of the existing inequalities within the sport.

However, it is important not to rely solely on the influence of individual players to drive change. Continued efforts to address wage disparities, provide equal opportunities, and invest in the growth of women’s soccer are necessary to ensure its long-term success. The 2023 Women’s World Cup and the immense interest it has generated is evidence of the sport’s potential, and it is up to stakeholders at all levels to nurture and support this growth.

As sports fans, we should celebrate the achievements and progress of women’s soccer while recognizing the work that still needs to be done. By supporting the women’s game, both on and off the field, we can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive soccer landscape for all.