Alexi Lalas has now detailed what MLS managers are now starting to realize about taking on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this season.
The former PSG and FC Barcelona superstar has been on a tear, with Messi leading the goals and assists charts in MLS despite playing just seven league games this season, with the forward breaking records seemingly with every match.
With Inter Miami top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings, it’s starting to feel like Messi will lead the Herons to a historic double this season, with Taylor Twellman already tipping the Argentine to win the MVP award.
And USA legend Lalas has now noticed what MLS managers are starting to realize about Messi
Lalas says MLS managers have no way of stopping Messi and Inter Miami
Speaking on the State of the Union Podcast, the former defender claimed MLS managers are starting to realize that there’s simply no way to stop Messi, with coaches in need of attacking Inter Miami from other avenues rather than trying to mark the Argentine out of the game.
Lalas said: “We’ve seen now whether it’s Caleb Porter in this case or anyone who faces Messi, the first question you’re going to get in the lead up to the game is ‘what are you going to do, how are you going to stop him.’
“And I think most coaches now in MLS have resolved that you’re not going to stop him. Yes, you’re going to try and do things to contain him, but at certain points, he’s going to do magical things.
“It doesn’t matter how good a coach you are and what Xs and Os you throw up there, you’re not going to stop something like that, so you have to look at the other side to capitalize on the other weaknesses Inter Miami have.”
Messi is making a mockery of MLS defenders
A fully fit Messi was always going to be a nightmare for MLS defenders, yet few would have expected the Argentine to be this good for Inter Miami at the age of 36.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder has made a mockery of MLS defenders this season, with nobody in the division able to contain Messi and to stop him from doing what he does best for the Herons.
With Messi leading the goalscoring and assist charts, defenders will need a new plan soon if they’re to stop the Inter Miami captain from causing damage, with records set to be broken this season.
