媒体认为美国能靠世界杯克服梅西依赖症！然而世界杯也靠梅西！（媒体称美国欲借世界杯摆脱梅西依赖，但世界杯亦离不开梅西）

Analyzing Soccer's Messi-Dependence

I’m thinking about why US soccer, particularly MLS, seems dependent on Messi. It impacts attendance and subscriptions like those for Apple TV. With Inter Miami, there's a push for star power leading up to the World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Messi's presence could attract audiences, but if he retires, what happens? I should propose strategies to reduce this dependence and enhance the narrative around US and local stars, competition, and overall experience.Clarifying World Cup Perceptions

I want to emphasize that the World Cup isn't reliant on one player; it's a larger event than any individual star. Marketing often promotes figures like Messi and CR7, yet 2026 will bring new headliners like Mbappé, Haaland (if Norway qualifies), and Bellingham. The narrative of Messi returning for a back-to-back title could be significant. It's crucial to distinguish between the different markets of MLS/Apple and FIFA World Cup while keeping the response concise, so I'll summarize in bullet points: acknowledge the paradox and clarify these market differences.Exploring MLS and Messi's Impact

I see that the MLS heavily relies on Messi for attention, with short-term metrics showing spikes when he plays. The World Cup doesn't strictly need Messi for legitimacy, but his presence definitely adds value for broadcasters and sponsors, especially with narratives like his last dance. It's important for US soccer to develop sustainable pipelines and rivalries to avoid issues after Messi's departure. This includes careful scheduling to manage overlaps with European leagues. I need to ensure accuracy while emphasizing that both narratives can coexist.