Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has acknowledged that Major League Soccer (MLS) is a “lesser” league. In an interview with StarPlus, Messi also expressed awareness that the MLS schedule could potentially affect his playing level. Despite these considerations, the 36-year-old insisted that the move to MLS was the best fit for both him and his family.
Messi stated, “I said it several times, and it is a reality: I will always try to compete to the maximum, and I am the first to know when I can be there and when I can’t. I am also aware that I went to a lesser league, but a lot happens because of the personal and the way one faces it and competes. As long as I feel that I’m fine and I can continue contributing, I’m going to do it [represent the national team].”
Since his arrival in the United States, Messi has secured victories in the inaugural Leagues Cup and claimed the Golden Boot of the tournament. The Argentina captain joined Inter Miami as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, turning down a return to Barcelona and offers to play in Saudi Arabia.