MLS Analyst Calls for Lionel Messi Drama, Drawing Parallels to WNBA’s Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark Rivalry

MLS is making huge waves in American soccer after the arrival of Lionel Messi. Yet, for one popular American pundit, the on-field action is not enough; they require more off-the-pitch extravaganza. More surprisingly, this is motivated by two former NCAA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark who are having a similar impact on the WNBA, now.

A recent take by soccer reporter Favian Renkel has cited that MLS needs an additional buzz similar to Reese and Clark’s rivalry. Taking to his X (previously Twitter) Renkel quoted Reese’s recent video about being the bad guy for the sake of WNBA and suggested any MLS player do the same. He wrote, “Oh man, I just need a MLS player to come out and say this about Messi in MLS. The league could use a little more spicy drama and some villains. The script writers couldn’t even make a better quote than this,” and ignite a rivalry with Messi to create an even larger buzz.

Meanwhile, both Reese and Clark have carried their rivalry from the NCAA to the WNBA. In 2023, the rivalry began when Reese led her LSU Tigers to victory over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA championship. Reese’s celebratory wave towards Clark after the win added fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, Clark cemented her legacy this year by breaking the NCAA scoring record with a staggering 3,951 points. Both stars entered the WNBA draft, with Clark going number one overall.

In the WNBA, the feud continued after Reese was seen cheering her teammate Chennedy Carter knocking down Clark in their recent tie. Moreover, Reese isn’t holding back the competition and wants to see her adversary struggle, which is what Renkel expects in MLS.

Can anyone challenge Lionel Messi in the MLS?

Most experts do not see much competition against the 8-time Ballon d’Or in the USA. The 36-year-old may not have had the best of times regarding his fitness, but he still placed Inter Miami at #1 in the Eastern Conference this year. Nevertheless, Lionel Messi has a stiff competitor in the form of Cristian Arango who scored 16 goals already with 4 assists. Renkel feels he could lock horns with Messi, who has 12 goals and 9 assists to his name in the battle for the MVP.

Regardless, for someone to come out openly and create havoc, such as the basketball superstar would be a spectacle in itself. Additionally, the season isn’t going to be as easy for the Argentine. Despite stats, it is the Championship that Messi will look to steal, and with other teams catching up with David Beckham’s club, rivalry and records will take the backseat.