More to the Story with Staley: Soccer Boom

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Is soccer growing in America you ask? Check this out from Sunday night.

Lionel Messi was introduced to the MLS fans in Miami. One of the greatest to ever play the game is taking his skills to South Florida. And just like that, Messi’s pink #10 jersey will be the hottest item on the sports market for the coming weeks and months.

Tony Cherchi, studio host for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, says it’s a monumental moment in time.

“We’re talking the greatest player of all time,” Cherci said. “I often say: just imagine Michael Jordan going to play abroad in Europe. It’s that kind of impact.”

Soccer is the most popular sport on Earth. Half of the world’s population follows the sport.

But the USA is beginning to fall in line.

In 2004, just two percent of Americans named soccer as their favorite sport. Now, that figure is up to eight percent. In comparison, baseball is down to just nine percent.

When we told Cherchi we have two professional teams in Chattanooga, here’s what he had to say:

“That’s great that you tell me that. I haven’t been there in a long time. But I would love to see how soccer is growing over there. And if you take the last decade, you can see the growth in not only volume, but in the quality of soccer.”

Of course, Messi comes to Miami after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.

Now, it’s time for the women to grab center stage, beginning this week in Australia and New Zealand.

Here in the United States, the women are the ones leading the way!

“I think we’re aiming for that same success on the men’s side. But the women have set the bar high,” Cherchi said. “And the women have connected with the fans. Another example of how the sport is growing.”

If Messi’s hero’s welcome is any indication, soccer in this country of ours is on a pretty good path.