Explained: Why ‘frustrated’ Lionel Messi is a good thing for MLS & Inter Miami – with frowns & smiles embraced in United States

A “frustrated” Lionel Messi is a good thing, says Bradley Wright-Phillips, with emotion proving how much the all-time great has “bought in” to MLS.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Argentine icon Messi completed a stunning move to the United States in 2023, with the decision taken to chase the American dream after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Any questions of his desire to compete were quickly answered when inspiring a historic Leagues Cup triumph for Inter Miami.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to star for the Herons in 2024, with A-list guests attracted to every fixture that he graces, and the plan is to add more major honours to a record-breaking collection. Messi, like eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, has never been a man to settle for second best.
WHAT WRIGHT-PHILLIPS SAID
He is proving that across every outing for Inter Miami, with former New York Red Bulls star Wright-Phillips telling MLS Wrap-Up after seeing the all-time great score two and make another in the Herons’ 3-1 win over Nashville: “We spoke about that, that smile you’re talking about, it’s great. When you see a big player come over here and really take on the league and enjoy it, even getting frustrated in the moments they want more from their team-mates, it tells me that Messi has bought in, and we can’t ask for nothing more than that.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi has registered nine goals through as many appearances this season, helping Inter Miami to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. He is having to counter an injury crisis at Chase Stadium, with more smiles and frowns to be expected as Tata Martino’s side compete for major honours on multiple fronts.

WHAT HAPPENED?