Holiday Conversations: Three Thoughts

The Messi Effect is real, plus two more thoughts based on my holiday conversations.

The holiday season is an opportunity to connect with family and friends. For me, this meant a surprising amount of soccer talk.

I say this because most of my relatives didn’t grow up liking soccer. My parents were there to support me and my brother during our youth soccer careers, but they rarely watch professional soccer. My cousins didn’t play the sport, opting for baseball.

I’m not foolish enough to believe that these conversations point to anything significant about soccer in New England, but I did find them interesting.

As such, here are three thoughts about the soccer discussions I recently had.

1. The Messi Effect Is Real

One of my cousins got into soccer because his son is now a fanatic. With his son accumulating soccer jerseys, it only made sense to start attending professional games.

The New Hampshire-based family has since made a few trips down to Gillette Stadium. Last year they purchased tickets to the Inter Miami CF game in the off-chance that Lionel Messi played.

Messi didn’t arrive in time for that game, meaning his maiden journey to Foxboro will take place in 2024. Of course, I asked my cousin if he would be attending the game on April 27.

He first talked about the price of the tickets, especially since there’s no guarantee that Messi will play. He told me that he considered a few different options, including not attending the game at all, before deciding to purchase season tickets.

My cousin explained that the decision made financial sense because the non-Messi tickets can be moved around.

To me, this is why Messi coming to MLS is so positive. While my cousin and his family are primarily interested in seeing Messi, they will also see a host of Revs games next year. The hope is that they fall in love with Carles Gil and his teammates.

This wasn’t the only conversation that I had about Messi during the holiday season. My mom, who periodically checks in on the soccer world, sent me a news article about Messi potentially selling out Gillette Stadium.

Again, this is all anecdotal but the Messi Effect appears to be real.

2. Excitement for Rhode Island FC

Another one of my cousins—who is the brother of the person named above—is now a season ticket holder for Rhode Island FC.

This cousin didn’t play soccer growing up, but his interest in the beautiful game has grown with time. He now regularly plays pick-up soccer in Rhode Island.

While he has attended and enjoyed games at Gillette Stadium, this cousin is ready for a local team to call his own. He’s already picked up some merchandise and can name most of the players.

To me, this highlights the importance of local soccer. While the USL teams won’t have the same rosters as the MLS teams, quality soccer can be found in the lower divisions. Perhaps more important is that these teams can provide fans with a fun and intimate experience.

Hartford Athletic (USL Championship) appear to be ready for a reset as the team just welcomed a new CEO and head coach. Vermont Green FC are League Two darlings with their joyous atmosphere and beautiful kits. I’m personally excited to see what the USL Portland team brings to League One.

These are just a few of the lower-division teams that can be found in New England, and they are equally important in growing the game in this country.

I’m already thinking about which RIFC game I will attend with my cousin.

3. A Lot Of Topics Were Also Discussed

My RIFC cousin is now well-versed in soccer. As such, he spoke to me about the U.S. Open Cup and his belief that MLS teams need to participate.

The new Revs season ticket holder focused more on his family’s favorite players with Carles Gil topping the list. This cousin also spoke about Marc Hubbard leaving UNH to coach at NC State.

Both of my cousins were interested in talking about Caleb Porter. Who is he and can he help the Revs win?

In summary, this was the most soccer talk I’ve ever had at any family gathering. Does it mean anything significant? I’m not sure, but I do hope it continues.