“Everything on the Basket of Lionel Messi” – Inter Miami’s Chinese Tour Making MLS Playoffs an ‘Afterthought’ Leaves 44YO Legend in Disbelief

In the world of soccer, certain names command and pull the spotlight toward them. One such name is Lionel Messi, who once again finds himself at the epicenter of a story. Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami was magnetic. It ignited hope among the fans for a triumphant MLS campaign. However, in a season filled with high hopes and expectations, Inter Miami’s dream of clinching an MLS Playoff spot was crashed. Now, with Miami and Messi out of the MLS scene, a famous MLS legend has questioned the importance of playoffs, even stating it as an “afterthought.”

As the MLS Playoffs loom on the horizon, Inter Miami has decided to embark on an unexpected tour of China, to play promotional exhibition matches. This decision to traverse in the midst of MLS playoff season has left experts scratching their heads. Let’s unravel what the former MLS legend has to say about the affair.

Former legend admits ‘living in Messi’s world’

In a recent debate on the ESPN FC panel, former Venezuelan soccer legend and MLS icon, Ale Moreno offered his insights on Inter Miami’s latest turn of events amidst the nearing MLS playoffs. While discussing Messi’s future with Inter Miami, the host stated, “He’s [Lionel Messi] going to focus on Inter Miami and playing there. They’re going to go on tour in China, that’s the suggestion. But it all seems like we’re all living in Messi’s world at the moment.”

However, it was Ale Moreno’s statement that truly encapsulated the essence of the situation. “Yes, we are, and dangerously so is the MLS,” he asserted. “To the point now, who’s talking about the playoffs? They’re about to start next week, and yet we’re not talking about that; we’re talking about Messi, and him going to China with Inter Miami. And that’s the sort of the deal that you’ve made here. You’ve put everything on the basket of Lionel Messi, and if Lionel Messi is not in the playoffs, then all of a sudden the playoffs become an afterthought. It should be the most important part of the season, and it isn’t,” former MLS legend added.

READ MORE: Despite Inter Miami’s Reluctance on Risking Lionel Messi, Argentina Boss’ Message Provides Huge Relief to MLS

Moreno believes that Miami’s decision to go on tour during the MLS playoffs will have a negative impact on the league. His comments point out the mammoth impact of Lionel Messi on the MLS. With MLS struggling to compete with the top soccer leagues across the world, it shines a light on the fact that the league needs to do more to promote its own stars and its own competitions.

Lionel Messi remains committed to Inter Miami

Lionel Messi’s future with the Herons has been the subject of much speculation. As Inter Miami crashed out of the race to clinch the MLS Playoff spot, reports suggested that the Argentine star could proceed with a loan move until the start of the next season. However, recently Messi has put an end to all the rumors and speculations, by stating his commitment to the Miami-based club. Messi said previously that he is happy at Inter Miami and that he wants to help the club win trophies.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Lionel Messi and David Beckham’s Inter Miami. The 7x-Ballon d’Or winner is under contract with the club until 2026, which will earn him a total guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million. As MLS Playoff action unfolds, the focus remains firmly on Messi. It is now Inter Miami’s China tour that’s stealing the spotlight, leaving the playoffs as an ‘afterthought.’

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