Lionel Messi in MLS is 'fantastic' says USMNT talisman Christian Pulisic - who 'absolutely' wants to return Stateside at the end of his career

In an interview with The Athletic, Pulisic revealed that one day he, too, wants to join MLS just like Lionel Messi. However, the time frame for such a move could be more than a decade, as he believes he has some "great years" in Europe ahead of him.

When asked about the influence the Argentine has had on the league, Pulisic revealed his amazement at it all: “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 they 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.

One day, however, Pulisic hopes to have a similar impact on the league: “Obviously, I’m not an old player,” he says. “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, 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 as 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 impact on the growth of MLS since his mid-summer arrival in 2023 has been immense, with the Argentine drawing in new viewers for the league from all over the world The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner claimed the inaugural Leagues Cup and the tournament's Golden Boot, while also luring Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez to Inter Miami for the 2024 season.

The Argentine and the Herons have their first preseason game of the year on Friday, when they take on the El Salvador national team to begin 2024. Until then, it's preseason training and preparation for the contest. Pulisic, meanwhile, returns to the pitch on Saturday in a contest against Udinese in Serie A action.