Lionel Messi sent shockwaves across the world when he joined the MLS. The move was baffling because the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was fresh off winning the World Cup and Ligue 1 before joining Inter Miami. Moreover, the Argentine also had other lucrative offers too. Hence many felt his pedigree was too good to compete in American soccer currently. And they were right!

The former Barcelona icon has had a fairytale start to the MLS with a whopping 9 goals in 6 matches. What’s impressive is what he has done for a team that is last in the league. Interestingly, his performances on the pitch have made netizens dig up a statement from ex Miami coach who believed Messi wasn’t capable of doing this in the MLS.

Jason Kreis’ prediction of Lionel Messi playing for a bottom-ranked MLS team

Jason Kreis was part of Inter Miami’s forgettable tenure under Phil Neville. Kreis was the assistant coach to the Manchester United legend and his services not being retained by Miami speaks volumes about his stint. Kreis, who is looking for new opportunities currently is back in the limelight suddenly albeit for the wrong reasons. Back in 2014, Kreis made a bold claim that Messi is as good as his team. If you put him in the worst team of MLS, he wouldn’t manage to do anything with them, believed the ex-Miami manager.

“I firmly believe that if you put Lionel Messi on the worst team in Major League Soccer, they would still be the worst team in Major League Soccer,” said Kreis. While it was courageous to say that about Messi, luckily for the fans, the World Cup winner disproved it himself by gracing the league as a 36-year-old. And what makes things eerie is the fact that both Kreis and Messi ended up for Inter Miami in the future.

While Jason Kreis predicted Messi to not be enough for the MLS, his current exploits make everyone feel that the league is much lower than his level. Taking a team that bottom-ranked in all underlying metrics to taking them to the League’s Cup final is a testament in itself. LM10’s National Team manager Lionel Scaloni recently attended an MLS match and despite mincing his words, he could only describe MLS’ level as “acceptable”.

Dive Deeper: Days After Breaking Rival’s Leg in Two, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Off-Field ‘Friend’ Banned for 2 Games & Fined $6000

Argentina Head Coach Lionel Scaloni gives his opinion on the level of MLS

Recently, Argentine World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni was present during Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over Charlotte. The gaffer was then quipped by the press about his thoughts on the level of MLS. In reply, all he could say was not bad. “I don’t think the level (in MLS) is bad,” Scaloni explained. “On the contrary, I was at Inter Miami’s game versus Charlotte (FC) and I didn’t think it was bad. In fact, the level was acceptable. Every football match is difficult. You have to play them”.

He however gave American soccer fans words of encouragement by positively speaking on the potential of the MLS. “There’s no doubt that (MLS) is a league that’s trending up. It’s improving and it’s attracting footballers to come and play here,” said the World Cup-winning coach. “I know that this league is going to continue to improve. There are some very good players here and even better players will make their way here,” said the Argentine on the status of MLS.

WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer With Unbridled Joy

What are your thoughts on the level of MLS? How do you feel about Jason Kries’ verdict on Messi? Let us know your thoughts below!