Following the United States’ impressive 3-1 victory over Venezuela in a friendly match, head coach Mauricio Pochettino took the opportunity to highlight the importance of Lionel Messi’s presence in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
In a press conference following the match, Pochettino expressed his admiration for Inter Miami and the efforts made by its management to facilitate Messi’s arrival, saying that the Argentine superstar’s presence in the league is a remarkable opportunity for all those involved in sport.
“It’s an incredible project. Miami and MLS are lucky to have Leo Messi. It’s something big; he is the number one in the world, with eight Ballons d’Or to his name. Watching him play is a spectacle. His presence here is a privilege for the United States,” Pochettino said at the press conference.
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He also praised Miami’s commitment to bringing Messi to the league, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their efforts.
-Additionally, Pochettino revealed that he contacted David Beckham, one of the owners of Inter Miami, to congratulate him on the club’s successes and the quality of its facilities.
The coach also reflected on the future of soccer in the United States, noting the significant competition the sport faces from other popular sports like American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.
“American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey represent immense competition for soccer, which is not the case in other countries. With a population of 300 million, I believe there is a substantial opportunity for football to reach a large number of people,” he explained.
“We are working to speed up this process,” added Pochettino.
