Major League Soccer has been at the center of the soccer universe with Lionel Messi’s high-profile move to Inter Miami. But Matt Rizzetta is a big believer in the lower-level United Soccer League — and he’s far from alone.

Rizzetta — who through his North Sixth Group owns majority control of Campobasso FC and a minority stake Ascoli FC in Italy — and his partners will field an expansion franchise in USL League One, the third tier of American soccer, based in Brooklyn, New York.

The club, which will start playing in 2025, will seek to capitalize on the growing interest in soccer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brooklyn’s rise as a growing and distinct part of New York City, and USL’s development.