Any tickets for the Lionel Messi show? How LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo has been responding to requests ahead of MLS showdown in Los Angeles

Inter Miami’s travelling circus – with Argentine superstar Messi filling the role of ringmaster – is readying itself for a visit to Los Angeles. Interest in said performance is about to reach fever pitch, with entrance passes now changing hands for several thousand dollars.

Cherundolo has, unsurprisingly, been asked by friends and family whether he is able to pull any strings and get them through the door at BMO Stadium – but that begging has fallen on deaf ears. Cherundolo said when quizzed on how he has been handling the ticket requests: “It’s very easy to do with. The answer is no!”

Former USMNT star Cherundolo, who earned 87 caps in his playing days, is now being charged with the task of trying to concoct a plan that will allow the mercurial talents of Messi to be contained. He added on that challenge: “It’s an illusion to try to think you’re going to stop him for 90 minutes. He’s going to have a chance or two. That’s just the way the game works and the way he’s been able to do throughout his career against every team.”

LAFC are the defending MLS Cup champions, having captured that crown with Gareth Bale on their books in 2022, while Inter Miami are desperately trying to keep themselves in contention to claim that prize in 2023 as they sit 11 points off the play-off pace.