ESPN pundit and former USMNT star Herculez Gomez has shared what’s different about Lionel Messi playing in Mexico with Inter Miami compared to Ronaldinho.
The Brazilian soccer legend spent a year in Liga MX with Mexican side Queretaro in what was to be the penultimate stop of Ronaldinho’s iconic career that saw the trickster play for PSG, FC Barcelona and AC Milan.
One of the most influential players of his generation, Ronaldinho is a key inspiration for many, with Inter Miami captain Messi learning much about the beautiful game from the former winger during his early years at Barcelona, with the Argentine inheriting the no. 10 from the Brazilian.
Herculez Gomez shares differences between Ronaldinho and Messi
Yet speaking on Inside Inter Miami, Gomez made the claim that Messi playing tonight for Inter Miami against Monterrey is on another level in Mexico to what Ronaldinho experienced in his one year in Liga MX.
The 36-year-old winger is arguably the most famous athlete of the 21st century, and with Messi only playing in Mexico just a handful of times throughout his career, tonight will be a special occasion for Monterrey fans and soccer as a whole in the country.
Gomez said when asked what the reception will be like for Messi tonight: “We’ve had international stars Bebeto and Ronaldinho playing in Mexico, and they move the needle, but not an icon of this magnitude.
“His is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in this country. I’m glad it’s in this city and at this stadium, because they will be more prepared than most.”
Messi and Inter Miami will have plenty of support tonight vs Monterrey
Messi and Inter Miami are, of course, the visiting team in tonight’s massive CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Monterrey, yet their reception might not be as frosty as other MLS sides.
The Herons have quickly discovered that most away trips quickly turn into home ties with thousands of fans coming out to watch Messi and to support the soccer legend.
And tonight will be no different, with Messi mania seemingly sweeping Mexico ahead of this evening’s anticipated clash between Inter Miami and Monterrey.