Comparing Lionel Messi’s First 60 U.S. Appearances to Pelé’s Record Story by Ben Stewart

Sure! Here’s a draft article comparing Lionel Messi and Pelé based on their careers in the United States:

Messi vs. Pelé in the U.S.: Comparing Legends on American Soil

Lionel Messi and Pelé are two of the most iconic names in football history. Though separated by generations, both players left their mark on the game in unparalleled ways — and each brought their talents to the United States in the twilight of their careers. But how do their records stack up when it comes to their time on American soil?

We crunched the numbers to find out.

Arrival in America

• Pelé joined the New York Cosmos in 1975 at the age of 34, at a time when soccer was still growing in popularity in the United States. His signing was a cultural milestone, introducing many Americans to the sport for the first time.
• Lionel Messi arrived in 2023 at Inter Miami, aged 36, following a legendary career in Europe. His arrival came amid a soccer boom in the U.S., with MLS gaining momentum and fan interest at an all-time high.
• Games Played and Goals Scored

*As of June 2025. Stats include regular-season MLS matches only.

While Pelé played more games and scored more goals in total during his time in the NASL, it’s worth noting that the modern MLS is more competitive, with better infrastructure and international talent. Messi’s impact, though still in progress, has already been profound — both statistically and culturally.

Trophies and Achievements in the U.S.

• Pelé
  • NASL Championship: 1977
  • Boosted attendance and visibility for soccer nationwide
  • Played a major role in laying the foundation for future leagues, including MLS
• Messi
  • Leagues Cup Champion: 2023
  • Awarded Leagues Cup Best Player
  • Helped Inter Miami transition from bottom dwellers to contenders
  • Set MLS records for jersey sales and media engagement
  • Cultural and Commercial Impact

Pelé’s presence in the 1970s turned heads and brought a spotlight to the NASL, drawing celebrities and sell-out crowds to Cosmos games. He famously played in front of 77,000 fans at Giants Stadium and is credited with helping legitimize professional soccer in America.

Messi, on the other hand, has operated in the age of global media. His MLS debut saw record-breaking ticket prices and viewership spikes on streaming platforms like Apple TV. His influence has not only boosted Inter Miami’s profile but also MLS’s international reputation.

Legacy in the U.S.

Both players changed the game in America, but in different ways:

• Pelé planted the seeds for soccer’s long-term growth, bringing international legitimacy to a fledgling league.
• Messi is reaping the fruits of that early groundwork, helping take soccer mainstream in a much more competitive and digital era.

Their U.S. careers may differ in numbers and context, but both Pelé and Messi left indelible marks on American soccer. Pelé was the pioneer; Messi is the modern-day icon. Together, their stories tell the tale of soccer’s rise in the United States — from novelty to national passion.

Conclusion

While the debate over who is the greater player will rage on, there’s no denying that both Pelé and Messi changed the face of soccer in the U.S. in their own time. The numbers may differ, but the impact? Historic.

Let me know if you’d like this tailored for a specific publication or audience, or if you’d like a graphic to accompany the stats.