The USWNT legend believes that while the women’s game has progressed, the men’s game has lagged behind but that is about to change with Messi’s arrival.
Andy HallUpdate: Jul 27th, 2023 17:46 EDT
AMANDA PEROBELLIREUTERS
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a dream start to life in MLS with Inter Miami – with two victories and three goals in his first two games plus a place in the Round of 16 at the Leagues Cup, he could not have wished for a better start. And while life is sweet at Beckham’s Inter Miami, one USWNT soccer legend believes that the Argentinean’s arrival will have a positive knock-on effect and transform both the men’s and women’s game in the US.
On this day in 1999, Brandi Chastain gave us one of the most iconic celebrations after winning the World Cup for the USWNT 🏆(via @FIFAWWC)pic.twitter.com/ZP6X6LJJu3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 10, 2023
Brandi Chastain made 192 appearances for the USWNT between 1988 and 2004, and famously rifled in the decisive, winning penalty in the shootout against China to hand the USWNT their second World Cup title in 1999 and that iconic celebration. Chastain has watched how women’s soccer in the US has made advances in recent years, in some ways overshadowing the men’s – certainly in terms of silverware. Now she thinks the furor surrounding Messi will serve to enhance soccer in general in the United States.
“For a long time, women’s soccer was leading the charge and there was al ways the question: ‘Why isn’t the men’s national team as good as the women’s national team?’” she told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. “Soccer now, together, collectively, has a chance. The fact that a player like Lionel Messi, who I believe will enhance the amount of eyes that will be on soccer in America, I think that’s good for both of us.”
Let them cook 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 pic.twitter.com/KnZMyGDanC
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2023
Golden age for women’s soccer
The USWNT at +250, are the favorites with the bookies to win the tournament and lift the trophy for the third time running. First however, they must secure a place in the next round – they top Group E on goal difference, level on points with the Netherlands heading into Tuesday’s decider against Portugal.
Battle back. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/EaE63K9Jls
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 27, 2023
