‘Watching Lionel Messi for Inter Miami like Michael Jordan on the golf course’ – NFL legend Jason Kelce told not to ‘sh*t on MLS’ after ‘not the same’ claim to Taylor Swift-dating brother Travis

Argentine icon Messi has been plying his club trade in the United States since making a move to Florida in 2023. He helped to deliver a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in America, while also adding an eighth Ballon d’Or to a collection of record-setting collection of honours that includes a World Cup crown.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!

Stream games now

Messi continues to catch the eye, with a goal and assist recorded in front of over 72,000 spectators in Kansas City last time out, but NFL legend Jason Kelce has told his New Heights podcast: “It's not the same being in the MLS.” When Super Bowl-winning Chiefs star Travis said “don’t sh*t on MLS”, Jason responded by adding: “I'm not sh*tting on MLS. I'm saying it's not international soccer. When you think of soccer, I know there's all these wonderful clubs overseas, there's the MLS, I think of the World Cup, that's all I'm saying. It's international play and then everything else. I didn't say I won't watch it (MLS). I'm just saying it wasn't the same level. Seeing Messi play for Miami is not the same as when he played in Barcelona or when he was at the world stage at the World Cup. That's all I'm saying - it's not the same. Seeing Michael Jordan on the golf course is not the same as seeing Jordan in a Bulls uniform. You see one person on the biggest stage possible, with the biggest team in history. This is the best soccer player at the World Cup. That's different than seeing Lionel Messi tearing it up in Kansas City, just saying.”

Travis Kelce, who is dating pop superstar Taylor Swift, offered his support to Messi by saying: “Dude, it's the same - it's Lionel Messi. It was the same as when [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic went f*cking crazy in LA. It's great, it's electric. He made the MLS fun to watch.” Jason went on to add: “I'm not saying it's not good for MLS, I'm not saying it's not great, I'm saying it's not as good. I'm not saying it sucks that he's playing in Miami, it's awesome for the MLS, it's great for American soccer. I'm just saying it's nowhere near when he scores a goal for Argentina and the entire country is erupting and cheers because it means more to Argentina than any other sport on the planet.”

Messi has registered five goals and as many assists for Inter Miami this season, helping them to top the MLS Eastern Conference, and took Matchday MVP honours for the first time in his Herons career after inspiring them to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sporting KC – which was watched by another Chiefs star in the form of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.