Football in the USA

For decades, football—known as soccer in the United States—occupied a secondary tier in American sports culture, overshadowed by baseball, basketball, American football, and hockey. However, the 21st century has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the perception and popularity of soccer across the U.S., thanks in large part to the evolution of Major League Soccer (MLS), the influence of global stars like David Beckham, and more recently, the arrival of Lionel Messi.

Soccer’s Slow Start in the U.S.

Soccer has a long but inconsistent history in the U.S. Early immigrant communities played the game in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and various professional leagues attempted to gain a foothold, including the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the 1970s. Though the NASL attracted global stars like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer, it failed to sustain long-term popularity and folded in 1984. Soccer remained mostly a youth participation sport throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

The tide began to shift after the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The tournament drew strong attendance and TV ratings, revealing a latent appetite for soccer in the U.S. In response, MLS was founded in 1993 and launched its inaugural season in 1996, providing the country with its first stable, top-tier professional soccer league in decades.

The Growth of MLS

Major League Soccer faced early struggles, with low attendance, minimal media coverage, and modest budgets. However, the league focused on steady, strategic growth rather than rapid expansion. Key milestones such as soccer-specific stadium construction, the introduction of designated players, and the commitment to youth academies helped the league slowly gain traction.

One of the most transformative moments in MLS history came in 2007 when David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy. Beckham’s arrival was not just a high-profile signing; it was a watershed moment that redefined the league’s ambitions and global image.

David Beckham’s Impact

David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy under a newly created rule dubbed the “Designated Player Rule,” which allowed MLS clubs to sign marquee players outside the team salary cap. Beckham’s six-year, $250 million deal (including endorsements) was revolutionary. It made international headlines and brought unprecedented attention to MLS from global audiences.

Beckham’s presence elevated the league’s profile, boosting ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise revenue. More importantly, it paved the way for other international stars to consider MLS as a viable and attractive destination. Players like Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Kaká, and Wayne Rooney followed in Beckham’s footsteps, further enhancing the league’s credibility.

Beckham also planted deeper roots in the league by becoming the co-owner of Inter Miami CF, an MLS expansion team launched in 2020. His move from player to owner reflected a long-term commitment to the growth of American soccer and helped bridge the gap between MLS and the elite European leagues.

The Messi Effect

In 2023, another landmark moment occurred: Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, joined Inter Miami. Messi’s arrival was monumental, not just for the club, but for American soccer as a whole. His decision to play in MLS came after turning down lucrative offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia, signaling that the U.S. was a desirable stage even for a global superstar in the twilight of his career.

Messi’s influence was immediate and profound. Inter Miami experienced an explosion in global visibility, with ticket prices for games skyrocketing and social media following multiplying overnight. Apple, the league’s global streaming partner, reportedly saw a surge in MLS Season Pass subscriptions, demonstrating Messi’s immense marketing power.

His presence helped elevate the standard of play and inspired both younger players and fans. Youth enrollment in soccer programs increased, and media coverage of MLS and Inter Miami intensified globally. Messi’s signing wasn’t just about football—it was a cultural phenomenon. For many, it echoed the impact Beckham had in 2007 but on an even grander scale.

Broader Cultural Shifts

The growth of soccer in the U.S. has also been driven by changing demographics and globalization. A new generation of American fans, influenced by the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA video games, has grown up appreciating the sport’s global appeal. The increase in immigrant communities who bring a deep-rooted passion for football has further bolstered domestic interest.

Major cities like Atlanta, Seattle, and Austin have shown how American soccer culture can thrive, with fanbases that rival those in Europe or South America in passion and size. The U.S. Men’s National Team’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup, alongside the successful campaigns of the U.S. Women’s National Team, also helped boost national enthusiasm for the sport.

Conclusion

Soccer’s ascent in the U.S. is no longer a question of if but how far. Major League Soccer has evolved from a fledgling league to a respected destination, thanks in large part to strategic planning, high-profile signings, and changing cultural tides. David Beckham laid the foundation for MLS to be taken seriously, and Lionel Messi’s arrival built a new era on top of it—one of global relevance, star power, and exponential growth. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the future of soccer in America has never looked brighter.