Weston McKennie Criticizes US Stadium ‘Atmosphere’ As the ‘Lionel Messi Effect’ Backfires at Copa America

The Copa America 2024 had all the ingredients for being one of the biggest soccer events for the United States in a while. However, things haven’t gone as planned despite Lionel Messi taking center stage with the Argentine national team. While there has been excitement around Lionel Messi, fans do not seem interested when it comes to other teams!

USMNT star Weston McKennie opened up on the environment in his home country, as he claimed fans lacked passion for the sport. This is big, considering McKennie also called out the United States Soccer Association for not ensuring the best playing conditions for such a major tournament.

Talking about the lack of energy from fans McKennie stated, “You know, whenever you do come here to America you play in a stadium that can fit 70,000 people but 25,000 show up. You don’t really have an atmosphere. It’s frustrating.”

A lot of experts have also questioned the lack of energy from fans in games not involving Lionel Messi. Many believe while the player has had a huge impact on the game, fans have become biased toward seeing him in action and do not want to waste their energy on anyone else than the Inter Miami star. Although it’s not wrong, with his club side pulling in shambolic attendance numbers during his unavailability. Recently, Alejandro Moreno also made a similar comment.

Ale Moreno makes massive statement over Lionel Messi’s Copa America involvement

Former MLS star Alejandro Moreno commented on the poor attendance during Copa America games during his appearance on ESPN. The pundit claimed fans are too used to Lionel Messi and it’s like nothing else excites them apart from the Argentine.

Moreno stated, “I can tell you that every time Lionel Messi touched the ball the stadium was going crazy. There were moments in this game where there were lulls inside the stadium. Those lulls had to do with the fact that a lot of people attending these games are there for one reason and one reason only. That is Lionel Messi. It’s sort of like if Messi is not participating all of a sudden this doesn’t quite have the feel of an international competition. Even though the stadium is packed.”

Players will hope that fans can get past the bias and support all teams. If the fans fail to show up on such a major occasion, it could be a big blow to the US Soccer Association’s plans to pull in more revenue during the 2026 World Cup. What are your thoughts on the situation? Tell us in the comments below.