Chapter Twenty-Two: The 1999 Women's World Cup (with Marla Messing)

The 1999 Women's World Cup in unquestionably one of the most memorable moments in American soccer history. From the record crowds at venues across the United States, to the incredible moments on the field. Few images have been seen more than Brandi Chastain's celebratory moment after her championship winning penalty kick.

Winning a second World Cup was a massive accomplishment for the USWNT and US Soccer. But doing it as the host country with an audacious vision for the event made it even more impactful. Marla Messing, President and CEO of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup organizing committee had a vision that women's soccer could support an event on par with the 1994 World Cup. She proposed a business plan outlining it, went to work marketing it and developed a strategy that changed the course of the game in America.

Messing joined Founding Futbol to discuss her career, organizing the event and memories of the games.

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.

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Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Marla Messing (Former soccer executive)

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