Lionel Messi calls MLS a ‘minor league’ while revealing World Cup status

football

go through Joseph Starzewski

MLS would probably be grateful if Lionel Messi didn’t utter those two words.

The league and Inter Miami rolled out the red carpet for the soccer star who made the jump from Paris Saint-Louis to Major League Soccer. Germain last July.

Messi, 36, signed a massive contract that will see him earn $50-$60 million per year through 2025, including a share of his MLS season ticket subscription on Apple+ and Adidas merchandise.

He looked at ease when he first joined the league, scoring 11 goals in 14 games and immediately sparking interest in the Inter Miami game.

However, when Messi was asked in an interview with Star+ about his priorities for 2024, he did not describe the level of competition in the league in the best light.

Messi told the media: “I have said it several times and this is the reality – I will always try to be as competitive as possible and I am the first to know when I can play and when I cannot.”

“I also know I played in a minor league, but a lot of things happen because of the way a guy faces it and competes.”

The club went on a 12-game unbeaten run and won their first trophy in history, the League Cup, but injuries took their toll on Messi at times.

The team’s poor start resulted in a 9-7-18 record and a failure to qualify for the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs.

Messi, who won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time this season, does hope to continue competing on the world stage for as long as he believes he is capable.

He said his focus is on helping Argentina defend their 2021 Copa America title next summer, with help in Atalanta and Miami.

“As long as I feel good and can continue to perform, I will (continue playing for Argentina). All I thought about today was to play in the Copa America and be able to compete,” he said.

He has also not ruled out doing the same at the 2026 World Cup, but knows his age could be an issue as Argentina will look to defend another title.

“Then time will tell if I will play in the World Cup,” Messi said. “I’ve reached an age (39) where I’m not normally allowed to play in a World Cup.”