The soccer maestro has finally got his smile back after two tumultuous seasons with French giants PSG. Lionel Messi is thriving in his Inter Miami adventure, and the USMNT legend feels the transfer is beyond a PR stunt. What could a fan ask for?
Messi not only rediscovered his joy in the US but is spreading the magic across MLS. Moreover, the transfer has come at the right time for struggling Inter Miami. The Herons grabbed their first-ever trophy and are back to winning ways, with Messi already notching 11 goals in nine appearances.
Alexi Lalas showers praise on ‘happier’ Lionel Messi
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
No one anticipated Lionel Messi ending in the MLS, especially after FC Barcelona made a move and a billion-dollar offer from Saudi Arabia. However, David Beckham and Jorge Mas pulled the rabbit out of the hat. And the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner landed in Vice City. There were talks of a PR stunt over the move. However, after Messi finished a brilliant build-up against NY Red Bulls, Lalas made a massive claim.
It's hard to quantify, but I think it's fair to say that Messi looks happier playing his club soccer than he has in years. He's also doing it for what was the worst team in MLS and in a league structured for more parity than any he has ever played in. No stunt, just magic. https://t.co/V5lMfXI4DC
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 27, 2023
The USMNT legend tweeted, “It’s hard to quantify, but I think it’s fair to say that Messi looks happier playing his club soccer than he has in years. He’s also doing it for what was the worst team in MLS and in a league structured for more parity than any he has ever played in. No stunt, just magic.”
It was a response to X user, who thought it was a PR stunt. The same user, who isn’t a soccer fan, is now enjoying Argentine’s MLS chapter like every hardcore soccer fan. Messi is on the next level since landing in Florida. He is already third on the all-time Inter Miami goalscoring list. And it took just nine appearances for the maestro to do so.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s MLS Debut vs. New York Red Bulls Compared With David Beckham’s LA Galaxy Debut
Moreover, he has got that intimidating smile back after two disappointing seasons with PSG.
Messi and his unhappy PSG stint
Much to the dismay of the FC Barcelona fans, their icon had to leave Blaugrana under unprecedented circumstances. The financial woes of the club didn’t allow to renew Messi’s contract. PSG took the opportunity and signed the Argentine on a free transfer in its bid for UEFA Champions League glory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lionel Messi is unlikely to sign a new contract with PSG as he doesn't want a pay cut and was like unhappy with fans jeering his name in the last two home games [@LaurensJulien]
— Transfer Centre (@CentreTransfer) April 4, 2023
However, it wasn’t meant to be, as PSG didn’t go past the round of 16 in the last two seasons. The fans and former players started to raise questions over Messi’s caliber. Many thought he ghosted during crucial games. And things started to get sour. The Ultras turned against him and booed the seven-time Ballon d’Or regularly. Also, the World Cup winner found it tough to adapt and didn’t enjoy his stint at PSG, labeling it as unhappy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams
Now it’s time to enjoy the game of the Argentine maestro who has found his smile and magical touch.