“No, it’s easy to play with Leo.” This is what Inter Miami star Federico Redondo remarked. Given the stature of Lionel Messi, one would assume that playing alongside La Pulga means understanding complex laws of physics. It is evident that his teammate, who played with him for just over two seasons, declined to comment when asked if it is challenging to play alongside the former FC Barcelona forward. Then again, despite such claims, would you believe that being in Messi’s team is no less than a ‘disaster’?

Quite surprising to hear, considering how much of an impact the Argentinian superstar has had on the Herons since arriving in the summer of 2023. Yet, here is former MLS star Mateusz Klich, who wasn’t afraid to make such a statement. And guess what? Such a claim comes from a man who hasn’t played alongside Messi ever. But, he did face him as an opponent while playing for the likes of DC United and then Atlanta United, if it counts. 

“I don’t recommend Miami as long as Messi is there,” began Mateusz Klich during an interview with Polish media Sport.pl. “It’s a disaster; people are leaving, coaches and physiotherapists are leaving. Organizationally, it’s bad. Messi’s dad basically runs the club,” added the 35-year-old midfielder.

While it’s surprising to hear such claims about Lionel Messi’s presence at Inter Miami, one might wonder why Klich made them in the first place. For starters, the Polish international pointed out that everyone at the club speaks Spanish. Beyond that, he noted that “nothing can be done without their consent” and criticized the club’s location. He pointed out that it’s 45–50 minutes away from central Miami.

Instead, Mateusz Klich advised players to put things into perspective before moving to join Messi at Fort Lauderdale. He wanted players to explore other MLS clubs, such as the New York-based teams. While Red Bulls now boasts a better stadium, he noted that New York City FC is also making strides with a cracking new home of their own.

Klich also mentioned other clubs like Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, praising their stadiums and fanbases but calling the cities themselves “very boring.” He recommended Nashville SC as a great option, describing the city as a beautiful place to live and the capital of Tennessee. As for Portland and Seattle, Klich acknowledged their atmosphere but warned that they feel “like the end of the world” geographically.

Quite an opinion, Mateusz Klich seems to have of the entire Major League Soccer. Yet, the most surprising one to hear is regarding Inter Miami and Lionel Messi. Not to mention, this comes from a player who spent only a couple of seasons in the MLS, making 70 appearances for D.C. United – scoring 7 goals and providing 13 assists since joining in 2023 – followed by a brief stint with Atlanta, where he made 16 appearances and recorded a single assist after arriving in December 2024.

Klich left the United States for good just this season, returning to his hometown club, Cracovia, where he began his career. Regardless, these are quite shocking claims from the Polish veteran. And they might even backfire, as passionate Miami and Messi fans are unlikely to take kindly to such comments. It comes at a time when the star player’s future is in doubt. 

The future of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami remains uncertain!

Read the room, Klich! Already, the initial contract that Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami back in 2023, a two-and-a-half-year deal, is set to expire by the end of this season. While multiple reports have stated that the David Beckham co-owned team is eager to offer a fresh deal, no update remains on the table. More recently, the former PSG superstar graced a 1v1 event, where he remained silent regarding his future with the MLS side.

Notably, head coach Javier Mascherano was quite hopeful for the latter to sign a new deal. “I hope it happens soon, because I think it’s great news not only for the club but for MLS in general, right?” Mascherano said earlier on Friday at Inter Miami’s training base in Fort Lauderdale.

The manager also highlighted the significance of Messi’s presence, saying it’s not just important for the club’s history but also for the development of the game in the United States. Having one of the greatest players in the world continue playing there would be a major boost, no matter what. Regardless, for now, only time will tell what will happen at this stage.