Lionel Messi Upsets the Odds: Soccer Star Outshines Yankees in Historic American Sports Shift

The GOAT’s MLS playoffs debut beats out the Yankees-Dodgers World Series opener in a shocking fan poll. Is soccer taking over the U.S.?

In a country where baseball reigns supreme, it might come as a surprise that a soccer star is stealing the spotlight. Lionel Messi, the 5’7″ Argentinian icon, has transcended the confines of Major League Soccer (MLS) and captured the hearts of sports fans across America. While soccer has traditionally played second fiddle to baseball, basketball, and football in the U.S., Messi’s move to Inter Miami has shaken up the entire sports landscape, including America’s most beloved pastime.

Messi’s influence has been so profound that even the baseball community is feeling the heat. Despite the prestige and tradition of the New York Yankees, fans seem more captivated by Messi’s performances on the pitch than by Aaron Judge’s slugging power. And a recent poll proves it.

On October 25th, fans are faced with a tough decision: tune in to watch Inter Miami in their first MLS playoff clash against Atlanta United or follow the Yankees as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series. While baseball has historically dominated the ratings, Messi’s presence has turned this showdown into a question of where true star power lies.

Journalist José Armando sparked a debate when he posted a poll on X, asking fans which game they’d watch. The options were clear: Messi’s Inter Miami, the Yankees vs. Dodgers, or a bit of both. The results? A resounding 86.8% of voters chose Messi over Judge. The Yankees and Dodgers, a matchup of historic franchises, drew a mere 9.7%, with just 3.5% opting to split their attention between both events.

The numbers are shocking, especially given baseball’s rich tradition in the U.S. For decades, the Yankees have been the symbol of American sports dominance, and Aaron Judge, the team’s slugger, is a fan favorite. However, Messi’s arrival has caused a seismic shift. His star power transcends the field, bringing in new fans who may have never cared for soccer, let alone MLS.

Messi’s influence shakes America: A cultural shift that leaves the Yankees in the dust.

Skeptics might argue that Armando’s poll was skewed by a soccer-heavy audience on social media, but Messi’s popularity goes far beyond Twitter polls. The ripple effects of his move to the U.S. can be felt everywhere. From social media to ticket sales, Messi is now the main attraction, outshining even the most celebrated athletes in other sports.

Historically, MLB has dwarfed MLS in terms of ratings and viewership. But with Messi in the picture, things are changing. His presence has not only elevated Inter Miami but also positioned MLS as a must-watch league, drawing global attention in a way that baseball can’t replicate in the modern era. The Yankees, meanwhile, find themselves struggling to compete with a soccer phenomenon that has captivated an entire nation.

Messi’s impact off the pitch is as impressive as his play on it. Since his arrival, Inter Miami’s valuation has skyrocketed to $1 billion, and their social media following exploded from 1 million to over 17 million. Celebrities and A-list fans regularly pack stadiums just to catch a glimpse of him in action. Inter Miami’s transformation from a struggling team to a powerhouse club is largely due to Messi’s influence.

In contrast, the Yankees, despite their storied history and massive fanbase, are facing a new reality. Messi’s popularity isn’t just a trend-it’s a cultural shift. As the poll suggests, America’s fascination with Lionel Messi is more than a passing phase. The soccer star’s ability to overshadow a marquee World Series game is proof that his influence knows no bounds.

For now, it’s Messi’s world, and even the Yankees-once the kings of American sports-are taking a back seat to his magic.