'Americans started drinking mate' - Lionel Messi 'revolution' in MLS talked up by USMNT legend after Inter Miami captain's genius delivers 'important' Club World Cup win over Porto

Messi has already won silverware with Inter Miami, lifting the Supporters Shield and the Leagues Cup, and is currently going for more glory at the Club World Cup in the United States. The Argentine scored a brilliant free-kick last time out to deliver a comeback victory over Porto that leaves Javier Mascherano's side in good shape to progress to the knockout stages.

The World Cup winner's influence is also being felt off the pitch and all across the United States, according to Balboa. The USMNT legend has highlighted how Messi's impact goes way beyond shirt sales and can even be seen in changes to the way Americans eat and drink.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN

Stream now

Balboa told TNT Sports: "Messi's arrival in MLS was a huge boost for many people to watch the league and get closer to local soccer. A lot of jerseys have been sold, and it's been a revolution. When Messi arrived, many Americans started drinking mate without knowing what it was. There were no Argentinian restaurants in Denver, and now there are restaurants that sell empanadas, choripanes, and other dishes. Messi changed everything here in the United States. I never thought I'd see Americans drinking mate while they were on the field."

Balboa also made it clear how impressed he was with Miami's Messi-inspired win against Porto. He added on how European teams have not had everything their own way at the Club World Cup: "It's not easy to play against the biggest clubs in Europe. Yesterday, Boca Juniors stood up well to Bayern Munich and fought hard in the match. European teams are a step ahead in terms of the technique they use; they've grown a lot in the last 10 years.

"The FIFA Club World Cup is a great opportunity for the United States to show the world how much it has grown over the past 30 years. While it was tough for the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles, Inter Miami beat a European team, and that's very important."

Messi and Inter Miami play their final group game at the Club World Cup on Monday against Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium.