LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini has claimed that Inter Miami are the best MLS side he has faced as Lionel Messi led the Herons to a 3-1 win.
Speaking to ESPN, the Italian defensive legend revealed that Tata Martino’s side are the best he has faced since moving to MLS in 2022.
Chiellini said when asked to give an assessment on Inter Miami with Messi in their ranks: “This team is the best, by far, that I’ve faced in MLS, to be honest, by far.”
With Messi claiming two assists in a comfortable win for Inter Miami in California, Chiellini’s comments give massive weight to Martino’s side heading into the final games of the season.
Qualifying for the MLS playoffs now feel like a realistic expectation for Inter Miami, something that felt like a fairytale before Messi’s arrival earlier this summer.
And Chiellini claiming that Inter Miami are the best side he has ever faced is quite the compliment, especially when you consider the teams the 39-year-old has already faced as an LAFC player.
Chiellini blessing should give Inter Miami playoff hope
Even with Messi on their books, Inter Miami making the MLS post-season felt incredibly unrealistic. But with eight points separating the Herons from the final spot with two games in hand, I think we all know where this script is heading.
And with Chiellini now giving Inter Miami the ultimate blessing, it feels inevitable that Messi will lead the Florida franchise to the playoffs, with MLS Cup a realistic possibility.
Indeed, the odds are still stacked against them, but with everything that Inter Miami have now become with their new superstar signings, everything is possible.