USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa says the arrival of Lionel Messi to the Major League Soccer (MLS) has changed everything in the United States.
Balboa stated this after his stunning free-kick secured a comeback win over Porto and putting Javier Mascherano’s side in a strong position to reach the knockout stages.
Speaking with TNT Sports, Balboa noted that Messi has sparked a revolution both on and off the pitch in the U.S.
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“Messi’s arrival in MLS was a huge boost for many people to watch the league and get closer to local soccer. A lot of jerseys have been sold, and it’s been a revolution,” Balboa told TNT Sports.
“When Messi arrived, many Americans started drinking mate without knowing what it was. There were no Argentinian restaurants in Denver, and now there are restaurants that sell empanadas, choripanes, and other dishes.
“Messi changed everything here in the United States. I never thought I’d see Americans drinking mate while they were on the field.”
