“It Wasn’t Beating Lionel Messi’s Team That Made It So Special”- Christian Fuchs On Defeating Inter Miami In MLS Last Season

In the realm of star-spangled Major League Soccer, there come moments that go beyond the ordinary. Christian Fuchs, once a pivotal figure for Leicester City, found himself at the center of one such ecstatic moment. The Charlotte FC assistant coach reminisced about his team’s win over Inter Miami in the MLS last season. However, Fuchs believes the lone presence of Lionel Messi didn’t make the victory sweet, but the grit and spirit of a young team did the job.

Charlotte FC’s slim 1-0 win against Inter Miami last season marked a crucial victory for the club, as they comfortably secured the last playoff spot. But, for Christian Fuchs, the victory was memorable for one more reason. Let’s find out!

Christian Fuchs on why winning against Inter Miami ‘wasn’t just about beating’ Lionel Messi

As Christian Fuchs donned the coaching hat with Charlotte FC in the MLS, he steered through the highs and lows of the club last season. However, the thrill reached its peak when Charlotte FC faced off against Inter Miami in October. Yes, Lionel Messi was there, gracing the Bank of America Stadium with his genius. Still, for Fuchs, the crucial win against the Herons wasn’t just about eclipsing the world’s greatest player. It was about a collective team effort of talented youngsters who refused to sway away in awe of Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi.

As reported by the Mirror, Fuchs stated, “It wasn’t beating Messi’s team that made it so special. It was winning a game that we had to win to make the playoffs that gave the players and coaching staff a big sense of achievement. What the players did so well was not to fall into the trap of concentrating on one world-class player and forget about the rest of Inter Miami’s team.”

The cheers of over 66,000 fans amplified the magnitude of Charlotte’s victory in the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere. But to dismiss the 8x-Ballon d’Or winner’s presence would be a disservice to the seismic shift he has triggered in the USA. So, Fuchs acknowledged the Lionel Messi phenomenon and spoke passionately about the Argentine’s serious commitment to the game on American soil. He quashed all or any notions of Messi being on a leisurely stint.

READ MORE: Inter Miami Injury Update: Worry For Luis Suarez as Big Blow to Facundo Farias’ Knee During El Salvador Friendly

Fuchs envisions changes in the MLS

Christian Fuchs also discussed a broader shift that the MLS requires to attract a worldwide audience. The Charlotte FC assistant coach envisions a future where the MLS isn’t just a retirement home for aging soccer stars. Instead, he would like to see the players coming to play in the MLS at their peak. Fuchs asked the league to loosen restrictions and change the structure to attract more international stars like Lionel Messi.

As Christian Fuchs gears up the Charlotte FC squad for the upcoming MLS season, he’ll be anticipating the club’s next meeting with Messi’s Inter Miami. With Luis Suarez joining the ranks, Inter Miami will return to action on January 22, Monday, when they visit FC Dallas at the Cotton Bowl Stadium for a pre-season friendly.

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