Ever since Lionel Messi joined the MLS, his impact on the pitch for Inter Miami has been a polarising debate. While not many doubt the seven-time Ballon d’Or, some do feel that he will take time to adapt to the league. Contrary to popular opinion, this section of fans believe that MLS isn’t as easy as many are making it to be. They believe that even someone of La Pulga’s caliber will take some time to adjust and get a foothold. The King of LAFC, Carlos Vela, also believes this notion.

LAFC talisman advises Lionel Messi to pick his battles in the MLS

Carlos Vela possibly had one of the greatest-ever seasons in the MLS, when he scored 34 goals and 15 assists in 2019 for LAFC. So if there is anyone remotely qualified to advise the Argentine about the MLS, Vela is definitely among them. In a recent interview with the Athletic, the Mexican maestro spoke a lot about the MLS including his tips for Messi.

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Vela believes that unlike in Europe where Messi was surrounded by top-quality players who could create chances for him, he can’t expect the same in the MLS. Vela opined that Leo will have to do a bit more in the buildup to create more chances for his team. “He’s coming from so many years of playing in Europe with Barcelona and PSG. The players on those teams serve up everything on a silver platter. All you have to do is finish the play. In MLS, you have to do a bit more,” said the LAFC legend. 

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He also believed that expecting to create chances and scoring those chances yourself will lead to burnout. Vela suggested Messi, who has scored a whopping 704 goals with the Catalonian club, to pick his battles and moments accordingly. “You have to get used to what you have on your team and find the right spaces to make a difference,” said Vela. “Messi, obviously, will have to choose his moments to do his magic and show why he is who he is,” opined the LAFC faithful.

Carlos Vela – The King of LAFC

Hailing from Cancun, Mexico, Carlos Vela was one of the brightest youth products of Chivas. The Mexican was signed early on by Arsenal, who sent him on loan for further development. After multiple loan stints, Vela was sold to Real Betis where he took La Liga by storm. In 252 matches, the Mexican scored 69 goals and made 45 assists.

His exploits soon found himself in the shores of Los Angeles where he continued his rich vein of form. Since 2018, Vela has played 141 matches for LAFC scoring 77 goals and 39 assists in them. The LAFC talisman also brought two Supporters’ Shields (2019, ‘22) and an MLS Cup (2022) to the Black & Gold. With him up top, LAFC also got two Concacaf Champions Cup runner-up finishes (2020, ‘23).

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Thanks to his exploits for LAFC, Vela was the poster boy of the MLS for a long time. Now that he is at the fag end of his career, this baton has now passed onto Lionel Messi. Fortunately for Vela, he couldn’t have found a better replacement in Messi.