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News, Blog and GuidesThe Italian veteran was not impressed by the freedom given to the ex-Barcelona star in the Herons’ Leagues Cup game against Atlanta United.
Diego Mayel Ibarradiegoibarra21Roddy ConsRoddyConsEstados UnidosUpdate: Aug 2nd, 2023 01:43 EDT
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Wednesday marks the beginning of the Leagues Cup 2023 round of 32 and the point at which 2022 MLS Cup winners LAFC enter the competition. In a press conference prior to the Californian side’s first game, in which they will take on Liga MX club FC Juárez, Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini gave his views on ex-Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami.
Watch the Leagues Cup 2023 on AppleTV (free trial available)
@LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini traded a long career with @juventusfc for a spot in @MLS, so his perspective on Leo Messi’s impact on the league is clear – “The moment is now.”Check out @1starrecruits for the rest of our interview with @chiellini https://t.co/HKpcEvESWM #Messi pic.twitter.com/YlRf7otSmn
— 1 Star Recruits Podcast (@1starrecruits) July 27, 2023
The former Juventus veteran has come up against the Argentina captain on numerous occasions at both club and international level, and has nothing but praise for one of the sport’s all-time greatest players. When asked about Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer, Chiellini has no doubts he will have a hugely positive impact.
MLS “surprised” by Messi
The 38-year-old also commented on the Argentine’s first two matches with David Beckham’s team, in which Messi has scored three goals in just over two hours on the field: “I was not surprised. The problem is that maybe this league is surprised. I think they (MLS teams) have to do something better to try to contain Messi”.
Giorgio Chiellini on if he's surprised by Messi so far,"If you think Messi is a normal player, it's a huge mistake. It means you have not seen him for the last 15 years."🎥 @TheStrikerNews #LAFC #InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/p1Le8yjueY
— Justin Ruderman (@JustinRuderman_) August 1, 2023
The former Italy captain was especially critical of the way Atlanta United attempted – and failed – to deal with the former PSG star in their 4-0 Leagues Cup defeat in Miami: “If you think that Messi is a normal player, it’s a huge mistake. It means you haven’t seen him for the last fifteen years. If Sergio (Busquets) has the ball and you don’t mark Messi…maybe you don’t have a TV at home. I expect a little bit more pressure from the other teams. The last game seemed like less than a friendly”.
