The story of Lionel Messi coming to America to play for Inter Miami of MLS was so big, that USA Today decided to dedicate an entire job to just that beat. Safid Deen is that reporter. After a long and successful career covering more traditional American sports -- like basketball and American football both at the professional and college level, Deen had the opportunity to cover Messi and jumped at it.

Located in Miami, Deen has seen and covered the the sports scene in that city for years. That has given him the perspective to observe and report on Messi-mania within the context of traditionally popular sports in America. It also gave Deen the opportunity to fall in love with and appreciate Messi as a fan and reporter all at the same time.

He joined Founding Futbol to talk about his journey to becoming a Lionel Messi reporter. Deen then shares his reflections on the job to date, why the Messi experiment matters, whether or not he needs to win an MLS Cup to be deemed a success and so much more.

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 kent@foundingfutbol.com

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Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Safid Deen (Lionel Messi Reporter, USA Today)

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Extra Time: Safid Deen, Lionel Messi Reporter