2 assists and 1 goal that contributed to just 1 win in 7 games. This is Lionel Messi‘s 2024 in a nutshell. The 8x Ballon d’Or winner has definitely seen way better starts to a season. But despite not being at his best, the Inter Miami maestro remains the best player in the MLS. This is the opinion of his former Barcelona pal and LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig.

The Herons next face off against LA Galaxy on February 26. And the La Masia graduate is well aware of the threat by Lionel Messi, despite not being in the best of form. In a recent presser, Puig said (translated via Google), “Messi is the best player in history and I think the best in the league currently as well.” Messi’s performance against Real Salt Lake also caught the Spaniard’s attention.

Puig said, “He showed on Wednesday against Salt Lake how well he plays and how well he is physically, so I think we have to be very careful with the best player in the world.” Indeed, Lionel Messi’s performance against Real Salt Lake was a far cry from his pre-season form. Although he couldn’t get on the score sheet, Messi’s vision created Inter Miami’s opener. Also, he could have had more assists had his teammates not missed some of the chances he created.

Furthermore, the soccer icon provided a highlight reel moment that was the talk of the town as he dribbled past 2 and flicked the ball above an opponent lying on the floor before unleashing a shot. Inter Miami’s performance was applauded by many with Tata Martino even asking to reduce the hype.

Lionel Messi also seemed to be in full fitness after recovering from his pre-season injury issues. Yet, even the presence of the Argentine is not enough for the Herons to win the league per a USMNT legend.

Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami has just a ‘29.3% chance’ of winning the MLS

This is the opinion of former USMNT player and soccer expert Alexi Lalas. Addressing a fan-asked question regarding the Herons’ chances of winning the MLS Cup, Lalas didn’t seem too convinced. He said, “After tonight, 29.3%. Miami was slow, sloppy, and unorganized. A half-decent opponent would have taken the countless gifts Miami doled out and pumped 3 by them. Luckily, they were not facing such a team.”

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Real Salt Lake finished 5th in the Western Conference last season. It seems Lalas doesn’t fancy Inter Miami’s chances against stronger teams. However, with a player like Lionel Messi on the side, nothing is off-limits. After all, his arrival resulted in Inter Miami winning the first-ever piece of silverware in their history.

Is Lionel Messi the best player in the MLS? Have your say in the comments below.

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