Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has hit back at critics of MLS, claiming that there is quality within the league.
This comes after Inter Miami thrashed Philadelphia Union 4-1, with yet another Lionel Messi goal, to take Miami to the Leagues Cup final.
Scaloni, who led Argentina to World Cup victory alongside Messi last December, was in attendance as Inter Miami beat Charlotte 4-0 in the cup quarter-finals and has now given his verdict on the quality of teams Messi is playing against.
“I don’t think the level is bad,” he told The Athletic.
“On the contrary, I was at Inter Miami’s game versus Charlotte and I didn’t think it was bad. In fact the level was acceptable. Every football match is difficult. You have to play them.
“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. It’s a country that’s also attractive.
“But I can see the challenges that MLS presents and I’ve seen good teams here. 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.”
Answering the critics
Messi’s impact at Miami has been nothing short of sensational, scoring nine times in his first six games, helping the bottom side in the MLS reach the Leagues Cup final.
Critics will point to the drop in quality of player Messi is playing against, compared to European soccer, and whilst there is certainly a difference in level, that does not diminish Messi’s impact.
There is plenty of quality within MLS, and opponents can present tough challenges for the 36-year-old. He has been on fire, but given his sheer quality, playing with confidence and in a right environment has Messi enjoying his football again after two difficult years at Paris Saint-Germain.
With the likes of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joining Messi, more top class players may follow the Barcelona trio to the USA, and help further increase the quality within the league.