Our writers debate US soccer stardom, and whether the nation can develop the world's next great player
Our writers debate whether the Copa America hosts have the kind of talent befitting a nation of their size
FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered some insight into US soccer earlier this week, crticising MLS, lack of stars in the market and the nation's footballing federation for failing to invest in the game - and calling for a review of the way player development happens in America. His comments made headlines on both sides of the Atlantic, sparking conversations about the US soccer system, and the inherent barriers in the setup that theoretically could block potential talent from coming into the fore.
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, Infantino said, “The ‘Messi effect’ if we want to call it that way, you see Messi and Inter Miami filling stadiums, and not MLS stadiums but NFL stadiums," adding that “bringing in top talent would ultimately reap dividends at grass roots level in North America, encouraging young players to believe they could forge a career in soccer ... They see it in basketball, American football, in baseball and ice hockey.
But was he right? Does US soccer, especially on the men's side of the game, have a star? And how do the USMNT, soon to host the Copa America this summer and World Cup in 2026, go about identifying and growing the talent befitting of such a nation?Article continues below
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