local
Argentina may have America to thank for Lionel Messi's latest World Cup heroics
By JAMES ROBSON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi's move to America will look like a masterstroke if he leads Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles. His decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 has already been good for all parties, raising the profile of soccer in the United States, delivering titles for his club an...
Key takeaway His decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 has already been good for all parties, raising the profile of soccer in the United States, delivering titles for his club and writing a new [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
The success of Lionel Messi in the World Cup has a ripple effect in the Rio Grande Valley, where soccer is a beloved sport. As the Valley's own youth soccer programs continue to grow, the presence of high-profile players like Messi in the United States can inspire a new generation of players in McAllen and surrounding areas. The McAllen Independent School District's own soccer teams may draw motivation from Messi's achievements, potentially leading to increased interest and participation in the sport. Additionally, the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, fueled in part by Messi's move to Inter Miami, could lead to more opportunities for Valley residents to engage with the sport, whether as players, coaches, or fans. This increased exposure could have a lasting impact on the local soccer community, making Messi's American venture a win for the Valley as well.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi's move to America will look like a masterstroke if he leads Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles. His decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 has already been good for all parties, raising the profile of soccer in the United States, delivering titles for his club an...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JAMES ROBSON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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