NEW YORK – Since his return to MLS action following the World Cup, Lionel Messi has been in exceptional form, tallying 12 goal contributions in just 10 matches for Inter Miami. This impressive performance ties him with Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union, a player born after Messi secured his second UEFA Champions League title with Barcelona.
“I didn’t realize that,” Sullivan remarked on Tuesday. “That’s pretty awesome. I’m just focused on demonstrating my skills. As I’ve said, the contributions will come, but the primary goal is winning, and being part of a 10-game unbeaten streak with the Union is quite special.”
If you’re curious about the excitement surrounding Sullivan, a brief encounter with him will clarify why. The 16-year-old quietly entered the EA Sports FC 27 launch party on Tuesday, only to be quickly surrounded by fans and media, reflecting his rapid rise in popularity.
Just two days after impressively scoring with a backheel and nutmegging a goalkeeper in San Diego, Sullivan has risen to become a standout player—notably ranking alongside Messi in MLS goal contributions with five goals and seven assists. He expressed uncertainty about his upcoming call-up to the U.S. men’s national team, though ESPN reports that an official announcement may come this week. After USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino remarked on being closely monitoring players, Sullivan appears to be seizing the opportunity for his imminent ascent into senior international soccer.
“I’m dedicated to improving my skills and proving myself on the field while also enjoying the game,” he said.
Following a World Cup hosted in North America that captured the hearts of U.S. fans, Sullivan’s strong performance has positioned him as a key figure in Major League Soccer. He emerged as a prominent player this summer after being promoted to the Union’s first team. Despite being the youngest player to debut in MLS at age 14, his progress has been gradual. Under interim coach Ryan Richter, who took over after Bradley Carnell was dismissed just before the World Cup, Sullivan has embraced a larger role and credits the positive change in team dynamics for his recent successes.
“We’ve had a spirit shift; everyone believes in each other and fosters healthy competition,” he noted about the Union’s turnaround after struggling earlier in the season. They have since moved above the playoff line, celebrating each goal they score together.
As Sullivan nears his 17th birthday, it’s interesting to note that he had to wait until the latter part of the MLS season to truly shine. Under his previous coach, he averaged just 42.2 minutes of play per game, tallying one goal and two assists during that period. However, following the World Cup, he’s displayed strong performances that highlight his skills, balancing seriousness with the playfulness embedded in his game.
“Just like everyone else, it’s about keeping my head down and working hard,” he said, highlighting his competitive spirit. “Winning is everything to me; I’ve had that mentality since childhood.”
Sullivan’s ambitions are not limited to the national scene, and he’s fully aware of the ongoing generational transition within the USMNT as preparations commence for the 2030 World Cup, with upcoming friendlies scheduled against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada in late September and early October. As the fourth brother in a family of soccer players, two of whom previously represented Bangladesh in youth competitions, he embraces his aspirations openly.
“Every kid in America dreams of playing for the U.S. national team; it’s the ultimate honor,” he stated. “All four of us, the Sullivan brothers, have dreamt of this, and seeing my older brother Quinn achieve that was a special moment for us.”
Fan Take: This news reinforces the incredible talent emerging from the MLS and highlights the growing excitement for U.S. soccer. As Cavan Sullivan rises alongside established stars like Messi, it signifies a promising future for American soccer, potentially inspiring a new generation of fans and players.
Source: www.cbssports.com
