ESPN pundit Tony Kornheiser has predicted Lionel Messi to be even better for Inter Miami this season with the forward getting a full year in a ‘second-string league’ like MLS.
The Argentine international started for Inter Miami in the 2024 MLS season opener against Real Salt Lake, with Messi claiming an assist in a 2-0 win for the Herons.
With Luis Suarez now in Inter Miami’s ranks, there’s a real chance that Tata Martino’s side can challenge for virtually every trophy out there, with MLS Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup the two main goals.
Lionel Messi tipped to thrive with Inter Miami in ‘second-strong league’
And speaking on Pardon The Interruption, Kornheiser made the prediction that Messi will be even better this season for Inter Miami having now had a full pre-season.
The pundit also made the point that Messi could thrive in MLS given how weak the division is compared to other major European divisions, such as the Premier League and Spain’s La Liga.
Kornheiser said when asked about how Messi will perform in his first full season as an Inter Miami player: “I think he will be better this year.
“I know he’s 36, but my sense is that playing in a second-string league like MLS compared to Europe against players who aren’t as good, he’s going to have a run at the joint. I think it’s possible he will be better.”
MLS won’t be a walk in the park for Lionel Messi this year
Whilst Kornheiser’s point about MLS being a much weaker league than European divisions is spot, it doesn’t mean the year will be a walk in the park for Messi.
For starters, MLS is completely unique to any major European division given how much travel is involved, with Messi set to travel tens of thousands of miles this season for domestic and continental away games.
Indeed, such logistical problems will play a factor in Messi’s form this season, and the Argentine will struggle in some matches due to a lack of preparation or because of time zone differences.