Lionel Messi’s impact on MLS is ‘fantastic’ says USMNT star Christian Pulisic who ‘absolutely’ wants to return to America later in his career, but only after many ‘great years’ in Europe first

Christian Pulisic has hinted at ‘absolutely’ wanting a return to America at the end of his career as he labelled Lionel Messi‘s MLS move as ‘fantastic.’

The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) star revealed his ambitions to later play back in his homeland one day, but only after wrapping up many ‘great years’ in Europe ahead of him, first and foremost. 

When asked about Messi’s impact in the U.S., Pulisic showed his admiration for it all, as he told The Athletic: ‘I can’t say it’s not expected. He (Messi) is, of course, the best to really ever do it. After having the (2022) World Cup he did and then obviously being back in MLS, it’s been fantastic for the league. 

‘The buzz around the league, around Miami whenever the play… it seems like a big televised game. Players like that are going to bring in fans, new fans to watch the league, and for me it’s only a positive thing. 

Pulisic, who has only technically played pro in Europe after moving from Hershey, Pennsylvania – his hometown – to Germany days before his 16th birthday, hopes to have as much influence as the Argentine has had on the MLS some day in the future: ‘Obviously, I’m not an old player,’ the 25-year-old further said, at first.

Pulisic, 25, wants to shine in MLS just like Messi is at 36, as he hailed the Argentine’s influence

‘I hopefully have some great years in Europe ahead of me. I’m loving my time here, so of course MLS is not in my head at the moment. But, yeah. At the end of my career? Absolutely. 

‘I will say, it’s come a long, way from when I first started even… almost, what, 10 years (ago) when I moved to Europe. Where the game has come in the US from then, even MLS to where it is now, I’ve seen a massive change just a far as the support in the US; you know, getting behind the national team and even the clubs now seeing Messi in Miami, things like that. 

‘There’s just so much buzz around the sport and I think it’s only going to get better in the next few years.’ 

Messi’s influence on the growth of MLS since his mid-summer free transfer last year has been enormous, with the 36-year-old forward bringing in new viewers for the league from all corners of the world. 

Pulisic will return to action for AC Milan in a Serie A clash against Udinese on Saturday, Jan. 20

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won Miami’s first trophy in club history by claiming the inaugural Leagues Cup. He also was the recipient of the tournament’s Golden Boot award, and has iconic players joining the team, with the likes of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez signing with the Herons for the 2024 season.

Messi and Miami will soon play their first preseason game of the year on Friday, when they take on the El Salvador national before games in Saudi Arabia, including against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, and Asia. 

Pulisic, meanwhile, returns to action for AC Milan on Saturday in a Serie A match against Udinese.