A relatively easy test turned tough for Lionel Messi as he took on Canada in the opener of the Copa America 2024. All eyes were on the Argentine captain who was expected to take down the 48th ranked team without breaking a sweat. However, the star was left goalless in the game despite some outstanding plays on the field during the 2-0 victory. Hence, this has raised several doubts regarding his goal-scoring prowess with a former Premier League legend bringing MLS under a bit of scrutiny.

The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner’s performance was subject to discussion by former Newcastle United player Shaka Hislop and Sebastian Salazar. The duo felt the USA’s premier soccer competition could be one reason for Lionel Messi not scoring today.

Speaking on ESPN, Salazar initially asked, “He is now at a very different level and he’s been in Major League Soccer for over a year now. And you’re saying he’s missing chances that he usually wouldn’t. Is that down to where he plays?” comparing Messi before joining MLS.

Subsequently, Shaka slightly agreed by saying, “Possibly, you can see that as being a factor. But then you take a game or two to get back into top speed,” citing that his slightly easier spell in the MLS could be a reason for Messi to react a bit slowly. Nevertheless, he also expressed confidence about him coming back to form in a game or two.

Coming to the game, the Inter Miami star may not have had the worst game in recent times, but his lack of clinical finishing was evident. Messi missed a couple of stinters in the second half apart from a few tough ones bringing his current league under question. Nevertheless, he played a crucial role in both the goals which were scored with some intelligent passes into the box, leaving fans relieved about his mojo. Argentina won 2-0, leaving very few regrets. But is MLS genuinely a factor in Messi’s performance?

Herculez Gomez disagrees with the MLS claim and Lionel Messi doubt

Despite an underwhelming start to the Copa America according to his standards, Lionel Messi will do better claims former USMNT superstar Herculez Gomez. Citing that it was just an off day, he said, “I’m not too sure,” claiming that MLS cannot pull down a player of Argentine’s level.

He further stated, “He’s still one of the best players in the final third in the world today, I don’t care where he plays, you give a player of that caliber, that experience that time and space he’s going to hurt you.”

Overall, fans also understand Messi’s age to be a factor. The former Barcelona icon will turn 37 in a few days and has already opened up about how age matters for him. But as long as he stays, the supporters will understand that he’d never shy away from giving his best for the unit.