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Former New York Red Bulls star Bradley Wright-Phillips has explained why seeing Lionel Messi frustrated in the MLS is a positive for Inter Miami.
The Argentine icon joined the Herons last summer in the biggest transfer in MLS history. The 36-year-old has been an overwhelming commercial and sporting success at DRV PNK, putting millions of eyes on the MLS.
There were some suggestions that Lionel Messi may not feel as motivated to impress over in the United States. Many often view the MLS as a league for iconic European players to retire.
However, Messi has been determined to guide Inter Miami to success and did so last summer. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner captained his new club to Leagues Cup glory.
The Barcelona legend has also dealt with setbacks during his time with the Herons. He's lost his rag during several games but more often than not dons a smile as he lights up the MLS.
Wright-Phillips talked up Messi's start with Inter Miami by touching on his mostly positive demeanor. The son of Arsenal icon Ian Wright feels the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has bought into his new adventure (via GOAL):
"We spoke about that, that smile you’re talking about, it’s great. When you see a big player come over here and really take on the league and enjoy it, even getting frustrated in the moments they want more from their team-mates, it tells me that Messi has bought in, and we can’t ask for nothing more than that.”
Lionel Messi was recently sidelined with muscular issues but returned in a 3-1 loss to Mexican outfit Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. That defeat sent Gerardo Martino's men packing in the quarterfinal stage with a 5-2 aggregate loss.
However, Inter Miami bounced back with two consecutive MLS wins. They beat Kansas City 3-2 and Nashville 3-1 and Messi bagged three goals and two assists in those games.
Messi has been in scintillating form since joining David Beckham's co-owned MLS franchise. He's registered 20 goals and 10 assists in 23 games across competitions.
Fabio Capello explains why Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal won't reach Lionel Messi's level
Lamine Yamal, 16, is Barca's latest gem unearthed from their esteemed La Masia academy. The Spanish winger is the Blaugrana's youngest-ever player and the Spain national team's youngest-ever player and scorer.
Many have tipped Yamal to follow in Lionel Messi's footsteps and reach the top of European football. He's wowed fans this season with six goals and eight assists in 44 games across competitions.
However, former Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello doesn't think Yamal can become a genius like Messi, Pele, or Diego Maradona. The Italian football legend said (via Forbes):
"Lamine has a lot of quality and is very interesting, but he won't be a genius. Messi, Pele and Maradona were the geniuses. [Cristiano] Ronaldo is very close there."
Lionel Messi is often touted as the greatest attacker in history after an iconic spell at Barca. He is the Catalans' all-time top scorer with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games.
