Lionel Messi’s arrival in the United States has brought a wave of excitement to soccer in the country, according to a recent report from Fox Soccer. The impact of the Argentine superstar hasn’t been limited to longtime fans of the sport; he has also won over a new audience of fans over 25 years old who had no prior interest in soccer.
The United States of Soccer study, which interviewed around 2,000 people between the ages of 16 and 49 from all 50 U.S. states, revealed an interesting generational divide among soccer fans in the USA. Generation Z (born after 1996) leads the way, representing 32% of fans, followed by Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) at 22%. Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) makes up 14%, and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) contribute 9% of the audience.
The fan profile unveils a diversity of interests and levels of engagement. One-third of respondents self-identify as “die-hard” soccer fans, while 36% say they like other sports but are now also following soccer. The remaining 30% have a more casual interest in the sport.
A notable finding from the study is that Generation Z members are twice as likely to choose basketball as their favorite sport compared to soccer. This suggests that, despite the growing interest in soccer within this age group, basketball still maintains a strong presence as the preferred sport.
Another interesting group identified in the study is the “New Arrivals,” comprising 24% of the total respondents. This category is primarily made up of people over 25 years old who had no prior experience with soccer but are now getting involved in the sport. In addition to soccer, they are also avid fans of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, and follow the MLS (Major League Soccer), indicating a significant broadening of the sports spectrum in their lives.
Messi’s arrival in the United States, along with the expansion of the MLS and the increasing visibility of international soccer, is clearly shaping the soccer landscape in the country. As new generations embrace the sport, it is crucial for clubs and leagues to maintain this momentum and ensure that soccer continues to attract a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
Soccer is solidifying its position as a significant force in the U.S. sports landscape, with Messi playing a key role in winning over both longtime enthusiasts and new fans. As the sport grows in popularity, the future of soccer in the USA looks increasingly promising.