“The rivalry has become massive”: NHL legend Mark Messier on the USA-Canada rivalry

Mark Messier is considered one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time. He is second on the all-time list for playoff points (295) and third for regular-season games played (1756) and regular-season points (1887). He is a six-time Stanley Cup champion—five with the Oilers and one with the Rangers—and is the only player to captain two teams to Stanley Cup championships. Recently, Messier opened up on the massive USA-Canada rivalry ahead of the 4 Nations final.

Mark Messier discussed the USA-Canada rivalry ahead of the 4 Nations final

Canadian former professional ice hockey centre, Mark Messier discussed the USA-Canada rivalry on ESPN's "Get Up" as "massive" due to the US' strong hockey nation status before the 4 Nations Face-Off final.


"Well, the rivalry has become massive because the United States has emerged as a superpower in international hockey," Messier said on Wednesday. "We know what Canada's done in international hockey over the years, they've been a dominant force for every country. Now the USA has caught up to them. This is, well everything's on the line."

"This is like a Game 7 here for these two teams," Messier added. "The fact that the US is trying to emerge as a team like the 1980 championship team and Olympics and like the 1996 World Cup hockey team that became so popular with us and inspired many young boys and girls to play hockey.”

Canada has consistently dominated international hockey, losing to the U.S. in the 2002 Salt Lake and 2010 Vancouver Olympics, but now competes at the same level. "And for Canada, we know what they've been able to do in international hockey, the dominance they've had for years," Messier further added. "They're being forced out and pressured now by a young, talented US team.”

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Canada aims to defend its hockey legacy, while the U.S. aims to prove its dominance in the final. The U.S. secured a spot in the final after losing 2-1 to Sweden, with key players rested. The final will be a rematch of the USA's 3-1 win over Canada in Montreal, while Canada secured its spot after a 5-3 win over Finland.

Stay updated on the latest sports news and know how to watch ICC Champions Trophy live in Canada and the USA, including the much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash, India vs Bangladesh and India vs New Zealand.