Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith has expressed his excitement over facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami this season.
The former Aston Villa man was named the manager of the Crowns at the end of last season, with Smith hopeful of leading Charlotte to glory in the new MLS season.
Yet standing in their way, and for every other club in the division, is Inter Miami, with Messi’s side tipped to win MLS Cup and win every trophy in their sight this year.
And speaking to Four Four Two, Smith has now revealed his excitement over facing Messi, with the English coach eager to see the Argentine grow MLS’s reach across the world.
Smith said; “I’m looking forward to playing Messi. The name’s synonymous with the sport in general, and he’s certainly helped to build a massive interest in MLS.
“But it’s growing more than just because of the impact of one player. It’s a young league, a growing league, so having the world’s best player here can only enhance it. I’m really looking forward to pitting my wits against a side with Messi in it.”
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will be a target in MLS this season
Inter Miami head into the new MLS season already with doubters and haters waiting for them to trip up at every corner, with rival players and managers no exception.
Whilst there will be respect for the likes of Messi, there’s no denying that the Argentine forward will be targeted in almost every match, with the 36-year-old still one of the best players on the planet.
Indeed, Inter Miami have the chance to create history this season if Tata Martino can get his squad into shape and get the tactical system right.
Yet there is always a chance that rival teams will go to extreme levels to stop Inter Miami, who could lose a few stars to injury in the regular season.