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Lionel Messi, the new number 10 of Inter Miami, had put MLS in the global spotlight when he decided to start a new journey in the United States. Messi’s world-class impact was immediately evident for Miami after helping the team win their first-ever trophy and triumph in consecutive games after his arrival. Despite La Pulga’s success in MLS, a popular journalist criticized his decision to join a league that is much easier than the ones he played in previously.

The TV Azteca Deportes narrator believed that soccer players, at a certain point in their careers, only focused on adding trophies to their closet, regardless of the level of competition or their own performance. Surprisingly, the journalist cited the example of the world champion’s $54,00,000 deal with the MLS side and considered his time in the States as playing with retirees after his illustrious career in Europe.

What did the journalist remark about Lionel Messi?

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Christian Martinoli, a TV narrator, considered Lionel Messi’s venture into MLS a non-stake move since it does not emulate the level of competition he excelled throughout the decade. The TV Azteca commentator said, “Messi had to go down five steps to be able to shine. MLS is a fifth-rate league where defenders don’t exist, they haven’t defended for years and only know how to attack”.

According to Martinoli, Messi’s triumph in the Leagues Cup did not reflect the quality of his play because of the below-average opponents and their lackluster defensive abilities. He believed that winning the title was more of a way to immortalize 7x Ballon d’Or’s illustrious career in the history books. Amidst the criticism, Messi prepared for his MLS debut after impressing in other cup ties for the Herons.

Read More: As Lionel Messi’s MLS Debut Tickets Cost Over $20,000, New York Red Bulls’ ‘Sole Mission’ Is to Hand Inter Miami a ‘Loss’, Says GM

La Pulga is all geared up for his debut in the MLS

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Lionel Messi had a stellar start to his season with Inter Miami, scoring 10 goals in 8 games and helping the team break their 11-game losing streak. The 36-year-old icon helped Inter Miami win their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, and also led the team to the U.S. Open Cup with two sensational assists.

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As the season progresses, the most decorated player in soccer inches closer to the Eastern Conference playoff race with his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls this Saturday. Meanwhile, Inter Miami was hoping to turn their season around with the former Barcelona star after a poor stint in the league. However, fans had their doubt about Messi’s debut due to fatigue after playing every minute in the past six matches, but they still want the victory to continue as the season goes along.

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Do you agree with the take of Christian Martinoli about Lionel Messi in his interview? Comment below and let us know.