When Founding Futbol began, over a year ago, it was intended to be a year-long project exploring 52 key moments that helped soccer become popular in America.

Asli Pelit came to the US to study journalism, but quickly realized she missed the soccer culture she gew up with in Turkey. In search of a way to combine her passion for the beautiful game and her desire to tell stories, Asli traveled to South America to learn more about the obsession with great "number 10s." That was among her first exposure to the cult of Lionel Messi. That work launched her career as a soccer writer. She subsequently went on to write about soccer for various outlets, including Sportico. As the sports deals reporter she dedicated numerous articles to the impact of Messi's arrival at Inter Miami to play in Major League Soccer. Pelit explored how he changed the business dynamics of the league and brought fans to stadiums like never before.Pelit joined Founding Futbol to tell her story and reflect on Messi's career, as well as his importance in America. She then discusses her transition to cover the women's game for The Athletic and why fostering fandom is critical to the growth of soccer in the United States.Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.Visit our website for more information: ⁠FoundingFutbol.com. Email us at [email protected] to Founding Futbol on your platform of choice.Host: Kent MalmrosGuest: Asli Pelit (Staff Writer, Women's Soccer at The Athletic) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lionel Messi's arrival in America to play for Inter Miami was such a big story, it warranted a dedicated reporter for USA Today -- Safid Deen.

Michelle Kaufman has covered every step of the Messi experience in Miami for the Herald and she joins the show to share her insight.

Lionel Messi's arrival in America has profoundly changed the landscape of Major League Soccer; The Athletic's Paul Tenorio helps break down the economic effects and more.

As one of the most seasoned soccer writers in America, Jeff Carlisle provides a unique perspective on the importance of the USMNT returning to the 2022 World Cup.

Kellyn Acosta was a critical figure in the USMNT's qualifying run that returned them to the World Cup in Qatar, where he became the first Asian American to represent the US in that tournament.

After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, a young group of players including Aaron Long and others, came together as a team and helped the USMNT return to the 2022 World Cup.

Joanna Lohman made a massive impact on the soccer community with her big personality, trademark mohawk and steadfast belief in advocacy for equality.

When the USWNT took legal action against US Soccer in 2016 and again in 2019, Jeffrey Kessler was there to help ultimately guide them to a settlement in 2022.