Rob McElhenney believes Lionel Messi has boosted Wrexham in the USA ahead of Manchester United game

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney believes Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami has helped put fresh eyes on the North Wales club in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Messi was officially unveiled as the Herons' new signing after United icon and Miami co-owner David Beckham helped persuade the Barcelona legend to join the MLS. So far, the 36-year-old's move to Florida has been a success both on and off the pitch with three goals in his opening two appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, the Ryan Reynolds and McElhenney owned Red Dragons have been growing their fanbase in the United States thanks to the popularity of their FX documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. However, according to the Always Sunny in Philadelphia star, the documentary has had a smaller role to play than some would think.

Speaking to MUTV before Wrexham's clash with United, McElhenney said: "We seem to have struck a nerve and I think what we are seeing in the US right now is a massive wave of interest due to, I think in a very small part, our documentary but also due to so many other factors. Obviously one of the greatest football players, if not the greatest of all time, joining a MLS team has had a lot to do with it. I think we are now starting to see it spread all across the US."

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Having already played one Premier League team in the form of Chelsea, McElhenney added how it was an honour for Wrexham to be facing United this pre-season.

"We are just so humble by this entire experience," he said. "From the moment we landed, it took us about four hours to drive from Los Angeles and we sat in traffic, I wasn't sure what to expect but wow, this is just an incredible experience to see thousands of people here.