Christian Pulisic Hails Lionel Messi’s Influence on MLS, US Soccer

• Lionel Messi has got off to a flying start to life at Inter Miami
• He helped the MLS franchise to a Leagues Cup triumph
• His presence in the country has created more awareness for a sport which is not that popular in America

Without a doubt, Lionel Messi is the biggest soccer name in America right now, and USMNT star Christian Pulisic has praised his influence on the sport in his homeland.

Messi ended his time in Europe and chose the United States as his next destination as he edges closer to the end of his illustrious career, which was capped by last year's World Cup triumph.

He has hit the ground running in the Major League Soccer, transforming the worst team in the division to one of the best and helping it to a trophy, the first in the club's five-year history.

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Goal reported that he turned down a world-record salary offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to move to the US, though he would have loved a return to his former club, Barcelona.

Pulisic hails Messi's influence

One of the best players out of the US and a face of the sport, Christian Pulisic, is the latest to join in praising the influence of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner on the league.

Speaking ahead of the USMNT's 3-0 win over Uzbekistan, as quoted by ESPN, he admitted that he has been following Messi since he arrived in the country and highlighted his influence on the league.

"It absolutely helps. I mean obviously all the games that [Messi's] playing in MLS and these cups become massive games. It seems like everyone's there. It's exciting, it's fun," he said.

"Obviously only a positive thing for this country, so I'm enjoying watching and following that Miami path. Obviously, some of our American teammates are there who've been playing really well, so it's fun to see how Messi has come in and help lift the level so much of that team as well."

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The 23-year-old is also enjoying a flying start to a new life after leaving Chelsea in the summer and joining Italian Serie A giants AC Milan.

Murray hails Messi's influence

Sports Brief reported on British tennis star Andy Murray hailing Messi's influence since he moved to Inter Miami after ending his two-year association with Paris Saint-Germain.

Murray admitted to being a big Messi fan and has been following his career for a while. He praised his influence on the American fans who have become more interested in the sport.