Ever since Inter Miami announced the arrival of Lionel Messi, only one thing was certain – success. Be it on the pitch in terms of quality of play or off-field broadcasting and commercials, the G.O.A.T’s arrival was surely set to change the American soccer landscape.

Many, however, have been questioning the potential impact of La Flea’s arrival on the USWNT. Will this cultural shift drive all the commercial spotlight to the USMNT? However, the USWNT legend has a very interesting take on this question.

USWNT great believes the arrival of Lionel Messi will level the field between USMNT and USWNT

Statistically and culturally, it is no secret that the USWNT has been leading with its impact on American fans. The USMNT meanwhile is still finding its footing in the global soccer landscape. USWNT legend Brandi Chastain however believes that Messi’s arrival will close the gap between both the NTs.

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For a long time, women’s soccer was leading the charge and there was always the question: “Why isn’t the men’s national team as good as the women’s national team? Soccer now, together, collectively, has a chance,” opined Chastain.

She believed that the sheer eyeballs Messi will bring to soccer in America will make the country more friendly to soccer thus prompting a cultural change in outlook towards the game. This will benefit both the NTs as per Brandi. “The fact that a player like Lionel Messi […] who I believe will enhance the number of eyes that will be on soccer in America, I think that’s good for both of us,” proclaimed the legend. 

Brandi Chastain is a US soccer icon

Brandi Chastain is undeniably among the most respected voices in the US soccer ecosystem today thanks to her accolades and experience. Chastain made her USWNT debut in 1988 and by 2004, she was a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold-medalist.

She was perhaps one of the most intelligent soccer players to have played in the history of USWNT, thanks to the ease with which she adapted as a defender and midfielder. The National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee is also an ace TV broadcaster.

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Chastin however will forever be cherished for her heroics in the 1999 World Cup final. Brandi scored the final penalty kick in the finals thus helping the USWNT clinch the trophy. Brandi celebrated her goal by spontaneously taking off her jersey and falling to her knees in a sports bra, which was described as the “most iconic photograph ever taken of a female athlete”, by the New York Times.