On August 14, longtime soccer analyst Paul Tenorio will step onto the stage at Old Town Books in Alexandria for a conversation and signing of his freshly released book The Messi Effect.
Beyond the Pitch: What the Book Explores
The manuscript traces Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer, examining how his presence reshaped fan engagement, youth participation, and the broader narrative of soccer in the United States.
Tenorio, who has covered American and global soccer since 2007 for outlets including The Washington Post, the Orlando Sentinel, FourFourTwo and ESPN, brings a deep well of reporting to the discussion.
From Mount Vernon to Chicago
Born and raised just south of Alexandria in Mount Vernon, Tenorio later settled in Chicago with his wife and two children after stints at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Event Details and How to Attend
The evening will feature a moderated discussion followed by a book signing. Attendees can secure their spot through the bookstore’s Eventbrite page, where tickets are currently on sale.
Old Town Books, known for curating author talks, book clubs and community gatherings, continues its tradition of bringing literary and cultural conversations to the region.