- All-time great moved to the States in 2023
- Made a stunning impact on & off the field
- Rivals delighted to line up against him
GettyLionel Messi gives Canada ace Mark-Anthony Kaye story to ‘tell my kids’ – with New England Revolution star revealing what it is like to face Inter Miami icon in MLS
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his way to the United States in 2023. He has helped to raise the profile of domestic soccer in America, with the expectation being that more household names will follow his lead.
GettyWHAT KAYE SAID
Kaye does not form part of Canada’s squad at that event, but did line up against Messi for his club side on April 28 – with the Argentine icon bagging a brace in a 4-1 win for Inter Miami. Kaye has told FIFA’s official website of Messi’s impact in MLS and what it is like to face him on the field: “He's a global icon and he comes with a lot of eyes, so him coming here has definitely given the league a big boost. People are talking about MLS now more than ever, and it's not just Messi. He is a catalyst of the change that's happening in this league, and that change is going to benefit everyone. We have to be grateful for his presence and his decision to come here, and also give respect to the MLS and those owners for making an offer that he wanted to take. It just shows you where MLS is going and, as a person who aspires to one day lead a front office, it's really cool to see.
“As for going up against him, he’s a very quiet guy, doesn’t say anything to you, but it was a great challenge. You can see that he has an incredibly good connection with [Sergio] Busquets but, look, I won some tackles against him. I guess that’s something I can tell my kids about one day!”
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