'Mary Earps would have saved that' - Lionel Messi brutally called out as Joey Barton compares Inter Miami star in ‘terrible’ MLS to Floyd Mayweather 'playing in front of plastic fans'

Lionel Messi has been called out, as Mary Earps and Cristiano Ronaldo are dragged into the debate, for accepting a “terrible standard” in MLS.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Argentine superstar has been plying his club trade in the United States since the summer of 2023. He was won two trophies while on the books at Inter Miami, with the Herons landing a historic Supporters’ Shield crown in 2024.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi helped them across that line when bagging a brace in a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. Ex-England international and Premier League midfielder Joey Barton is, however, less than impressed at the quality on show in America.
WHAT BARTON SAID
Barton posted alongside a video of Messi curling home a free-kick for Inter Miami: “Mary Earps would have saved that! MLS is a terrible standard of football. Sad to see him and C.Ronaldo playing in front of plastic fans, in false atmospheric stadiums. It’s like watching Mayweather’s exhibition fights.”

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WHAT NEXT?
Messi’s eternal rival, Portuguese icon Ronaldo, is currently on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – with 50 goals recorded through his outings in the Middle East last season. He remains in the hunt for more honours this term, while Messi is chasing down MLS Cup glory. Both have reached the latter stages of their record-breaking careers, but would not consider themselves to be “exhibition” acts just yet.

WHAT HAPPENED?