After Lionel Messi Conquered LA, Hollywood Superstar Likens His Impact on US to Pele?s Stint in the Big Apple

The arrival of Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer (MLS) this summer has been met with widespread excitement and anticipation. Even Hollywood superstar, Owen Wilson, is caught up in the ?Messimania.?

The Darjeeling Limited actor, who is one of the supporters of LAFC, was in attendance along with many stars for Miami?s recent MLS outing in Los Angeles. He praised the heavy impact of Lionel Messi in the United States and even compared him to one of the greatest soccer players to grace the pitch.

Owen Wilson gave his testament on Lionel Messi and the volume of his impact on the US

BMO Stadium was packed to the brim to witness the biggest sports spectacle in Los Angeles, as Messi-led Inter Miami locked horns against defending MLS champions, LAFC. Famous actor and LAFC fan Owen Wilson expressed his delight at Lionel Messi?s arrival in the MLS and how exhilarating his welcome has been.

Speaking ahead of the big showdown match between Miami and LAFC, Wilson drew a parallel between the Argentine?s impact in the USA and soccer legend Pele?s stint with the Big Apple.

As reported by Daily Mail, talking on Apple TV?s MLS Season Pass pre-match show, Owen Wilson said, ?I remember as a kid it was such a huge deal when Pel? played for the [New York] Cosmos, and it feels like that again with Messi except maybe even bigger.?

Brazilian soccer legend Pele made waves in the United States when he came out of retirement and joined a little-known U.S. club New York Cosmos in 1975. Pele?s move elevated the game of soccer to heights never before attained in America and marked the start of a new journey.

With Inter Miami becoming one of the most followed sports teams in the USA, Wilson didn?t fail to acknowledge the mammoth impact of Lionel Messi and his current stature as MVP in America. “I think it?s already doing it for the MLS. You can see the excitement. I had a friend in Dallas, they going to the games. Just all over the country. Even my mother is now really into it,??Wilson added when asked about Messi?s impact.

Inter Miami pushing for the playoff spot

Inter Miami continued their dazzling form on the pitch with a 3-1 victory against LAFC in the MLS on Sunday. Lionel Messi racked in two assists to inspire the Herons to a vital victory away from home against last season?s champions. The win against LAFC further bolstered Miami?s chances of making it into the MLS playoffs.

READ MORE: How Much Does Lionel Messi?s Bodyguard in Miami Earns? US Navy SEALs & MMA Fighter?s Salary Revealed

With Inter Miami already bagging up a Leagues Cup title under their belt this season and in contention for the US Open Cup as well, they?ll be hoping to make a wild run for MLS. The former Barcelona trio, which includes Busquets, Alba, and Messi, has already shown their class on the pitch. The Herons will be focused on maintaining this run if they aim to clinch a playoff spot.

Miami has now climbed up the MLS table to occupy the 14th position and is eight points away from a playoff spot. Their next outing will be at home against Sporting Kansas City on September 9th. It will be a huge test for the Miami squad as they will be without the likes of Messi, Busquets, Martinez, and Callender due to their national team commitments

WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams

Do you think Inter Miami will clinch a spot in the MLS playoffs? Let us know in the comments!