Lionel Messi has been lauded for avoiding the same MLS “excuses” as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, with the Inter Miami superstar still “driven”.
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All-time great headed to Florida in 2023Remains as committed as everEngland internationals accused of slackingGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his way to the United States in 2023 when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Any questions of his passion waning on the back of a World Cup win with Argentina were quickly answered when inspiring a Leagues Cup triumph in Florida.
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Messi has continued to star in 2024, breaking more records while reaching double figures for goals and assists, with the iconic Argentine showing no sign of slowing down ahead of turning 37. His desire to compete and be the best continues to shine brightly, with the odd rest in Florida being forced upon him.
GettyWHAT RONGEN SAID
He did not sit out a recent 13-hour round trip to Vancouver through choice, as he was omitted from Inter Miami’s travelling party, and former MLS boss Thomas Rongen is delighted to see Messi steering clear of the complaints that other prominent figures have made. He has told : “Anywhere he goes, he’s driven, he has a mental strength after playing at the highest level for many, many years. It should be exhausting, I remember Gerd Muller was pretty much done when he hit 35. But stuff like the travel he’s dealt with quite well, it’s always surprised players coming to America, and sometimes it’s an excuse, like Gerrard and Lampard used, ‘oh this country is so big, it’s why I’m not performing well,’ but he never has excuses.”
WHAT NEXT?
Former England internationals Gerrard and Lampard spent time in the States with the LA Galaxy and New York City FC respectively. Messi has captured the imagination in MLS like few before him, with there already talk of him chasing down MVP honours when returning to Miami from Copa America duty with his country.