The Messi Effect Energizes Downtown NYC Amid Copa América 2024
Image created by Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Financial District, there’s an indescribable feeling in the air; a charged energy filling the streets. Welcome to the Messi Effect.
Among the sea of people crowding the streets of downtown Manhattan, glimpses of the iconic light blue and white stripes of Argentina’s jersey or the wave of the Argentinian flag wrapped around fans' necks are common. The fans already arrived on Monday, waiting for Lionel Messi as his home country, Argentina, faced off against Chile at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite one of the world’s largest international soccer tournaments happening across the Hudson, there’s no denying that the Messi Effect has made its way to NYC, the world’s most diverse city.
Image created by gottalovenewyork
For just the second time in history, the United States will be hosting the historic CONMEBOL Copa América with the top countries from North and South America vying for the coveted Copa América championship. Held every four years, the CONMEBOL Copa América has become a huge international tournament alongside the UEFA Euro, World Cup, and many more.
Image created by Matthew Swensen
Thousands of soccer fans have flocked to the 14 host cities to witness history and cheer on their team to victory. The prestigious tournament has already begun with the stage of group play held at iconic stadiums like Metlife, SoFi, and more. Across a schedule of 25 days of competition, 16 teams from CONMEBOL and Concacaf will battle it out on the pitch to see which team will rise to the top. Branded to become the best Copa América yet, cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and many more are seeing an influx of visitors as soccer fans from across the continent travel to cheer their team on throughout the tournament.
Image created by Matthew Swensen
For communities like FIDI West, the Messi Effect is already in full force. Gone is the typical tourist flow or the daily work rush. Instead, the streets of Manhattan were buzzing with Argentina and Chile fans as they prepared for the match between the two countries in the tournament’s group stages. Held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford NJ, the game stood as the return of the current champion, Argentina, who succeeded in continuing their tournament win streak, with arguably the best soccer player in the world, Lionel Messi, leading the charge.
Image created by Chandan Khanna/AFP
Since the shocking move, Messi has revolutionized and revitalized the MLS, boasting the league to gain more interest, especially in Miami’s market. Although other top players have played a few seasons in the MLS, it’s nothing compared to the effect Messi has brought to the States.
Unlike other soccer stars such as David Beckham, Kaká, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Wayne Rooney, Messi’s effect is unparalleled.
Messi made waves last year when he announced that he would leave his then-current team, PSG, and fellow teammates, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, to bring his talents to the United States. Shocking the world and exhilarating US soccer fans, Messi then signed with Inter Miami and joined the MLS.
Messi’s arrival in the MLS brought in more viewers and money than ever before. Season tickets for Inter Miami skyrocketed as people vied to have the opportunity to see Messi grace the pitch, and the effect didn’t just stop at Miami either. Teams from around the league have seized the opportunities that Messi brought. From offering more tickets to even elevating ticket prices, everyone has since capitalized off the soccer star.
The question now is: what will Messi bring to the Copa América host cities?
There’s already been an influx of tourists venturing to both the Eastern, Central, and Western parts of the country to root on their teams. As seen in NYC, amidst the tournament schedule, fans are exploring cities before and after matches. The surge of visitors raises the question of how the tournament could benefit local communities such as FIDI West, South Cove, Hudson Square, and its residents.
Image created by Beckett’s Sports Bar
Local bars and restaurants in neighborhoods like FIDI West are offering watch parties and specials to draw in locals and visitors alike. Local staples like Beckett’s Sports Bar and Brickyard Craft Kitchen & Bar have led the charge by providing communal spaces for fans from all over the continent to enjoy delicious food, meet new people, and hopefully see their team win.
Image created by Brickyard Craft Kitchen & Bar
Should Messi and Argentina continue to dominate in the tournament, NYC could get another taste of the Messi effect when Metlife Stadium hosts the first set of the semifinal teams on July 10th. However, even if Messi doesn’t return to MetLife after tonight’s match, his impact stretches beyond the pitch for local businesses and communities in the city. The tournament offers opportunities for the local communities to take advantage of the event's enthusiasm and benefit from the once-in-the-lifetime experience. It’s not just about the revenue either. Neighborhoods around the city are being brought together through their love for the game of soccer. No matter where you’re from or who you’re rooting for, Copa América is uniting both the city and country through fans’ passion for their team. Along with the influx of visitors traveling to see their team grace the pitch, there’s also a lot of momentum surrounding the U.S. Men’s soccer team as they journey through Copa América. Many New Yorkers look forward to seeing the men’s team succeed and are rooting for them to finally bring home a Copa championship.
Image created by Matthew Swensen