Julian Gressel has shared why MLS defenders are finding it ‘impossible’ to stop Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder has been nothing short of exceptional for the Herons in the last month, with Messi currently the leading goalscorer and assist creator in MLS this season after a string of record-breaking performances.
Sitting top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, Inter Miami look like nailed-on favorites for MLS Cup with Messi now finding his rhythm in Florida alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, who have also been in fine form.
And Gressel has shared why MLS defenders can’t stop Messi at all.
MLS defenders can’t handle Messi’s soccer IQ at Inter Miami
Speaking on the Player/Manager podcast, Gressel noted that MLS defenders are finding it ‘impossible’ to keep track of Messi and what his next move is going to be, especially with the Inter Miami squad now on his wavelength.
The Herons are gone up several levels in recent weeks with Messi enjoying a good stretch in the starting XI, and it’s noticeable on the pitch just how intelligent some of the plays from Inter Miami have been as a result.
Gressel said when asked if MLS defenses can even stop Messi: “As soon as he has that time and the edge and he runs at you and has players that understand where he is passing and, after that, he’s accelerating.
“In that moment, they’re just incredible plays and they’re so fun to watch. He’s done it so many times in his career and it’s just impossible to stop. Even when those balls aren’t 100% perfect, he’s still so hard to stop.”
Messi could be impossible to defend against this season
Messi has proven this year that he is still at the top of his game, with the 36-year-old making a laughing stock of some of the best teams in MLS without even breaking a sweat.
And this season could see Messi go on a run of form that is impossible to defend against, with MLS teams still adjusting to how to take on the Argentine international when he is on this level of form.
Indeed, Messi has shown that he is on a one-man mission to break every MLS record out there this season, and opposing players might be helpless in their efforts to stop the veteran attacker.