Explained: Why Lionel Messi has become a ‘nightmare’ for MLS & has Inter Miami rivals running scared

The Argentine icon suffered hamstring problems early on in the current campaign, preventing him from making the desired impact across MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup competition. Messi was, however, back to his mercurial best in a 3-1 victory over Nashville last time out – with two goals and an assist recorded in that contest.

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MLS legend Kljestan has said on the division’s official website of why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner should have domestic rivals running scared: “Lionel Messi was the star of the show (again) after his two-goal, one assist performance. It’s pretty fun to watch this GOAT play, especially when he’s had a whole week to prepare. A healthy and rested Messi = a nightmare for the opposition.”

Messi is up to nine goals for Inter Miami through as many appearances this season. He appears to be over the fitness issues that stunted his progress throughout March, with the evergreen 36-year-old now in the process of chasing down major honours once more.

Inter Miami have risen to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. There is still a long way to go in the 2024 campaign, which will be broken up by Copa America duty for Messi and Co, but the Herons will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to the New England Revolution.