Lionel Messi says MLS is poised to catch up with Europe’s top leagues while praising the USMNT ahead of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup final
Lionel Messi says the MLS is ready to overtake Europe’s top leagues as he praised the USMNT ahead of the Inter Miami Leagues Cup final
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi spoke about the state of American football ahead of his team’s highly anticipated Leagues Cup Final – and he had all the positives for both MLS and the USMNT.
Messi and his stadium in Miami play against Nashville FC in both teams’ first ever chance to lift the trophy.
And the World Cup winner in Argentina believes MLS could soon match the standards of European football if it continues on its current path.
“I think it has every chance to do that,” said Messi. ‘That growth strongly depends on the competition. It’s an ideal time to grow. There are important matches coming up that will be played in this country.”
The competitions Messi was referring to were the upcoming 2024 Copa America tournaments and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi praised both Major League Soccer and the United States men’s national team
The World Cup winner said he believes MLS can close the gap between European competitions
He also praised the USMNT for growing a lot in the past year and being very competitive
“It’s time for the league to take that leap and stop growing, stop looking for what it’s been looking for for a while,” Messi continued.
“Everything is here to see top football because of the country, the structure, a lot of things.”
Messi also had some kind words for those who have reached the highest level of American football with the national team.
“I think football in the US has grown a lot in the last year,” Messi said. ‘This is evident from the recent results of the USMNT.
‘It was also a great team at the World Cup. Very competitive. It held its own against any team that had it on its slate. It is getting closer and closer to the level of Mexican football.
“This Leagues Cup has proven that. There is no Mexican team in the final. Although you can question a lot of things, the reality is that all games were very close, very competitive.’
“Anyone can beat someone else. I have a feeling the same is happening in (MLS). It is a competition where anyone can win. One where the home team is strong and it’s hard to win away. I will learn a bit from that after my first match.’
Regardless of how strong the league is or not, Messi has been in great form since his debut for Miami.
Since making his debut, he has scored nine goals in six Leagues Cup appearances as the team has torn through the competition since his arrival.