Carlos Vela: “We are going to try to win and we don’t care who’s up front”

LAFC captain Carlos Vela is ready for the challenge of a Lionel Messi-inspired Inter Miami.

MLS strugglers Miami have looked like a new team since the arrival of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba earlier this summer. However their trip to the MLS Cup holders is one of the toughest that they will face all season.

LAFC vs Inter Miami: how to watch

Hosts LAFC go into the game off the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Charlotte FC but they remain one of MLS’ top sides. They are currently second in the Western Conference and team captain Carlos Vela wants the side to focus on their own performance.

“We are going to play against a rival team, like we always play every weekend,” Vela said. “We are going to try to win and we don’t care who is up front.”

“We focus on our job, how to do things well and not who we play against. Or what I will do if [Messi] comes to my side. “That doesn’t matter to us,” Vela said.

What did Carlos Vela say about Lionel Messi’s MLS impact?

Despite all the fanfare surrounding Messi’s move to MLS, the Argentine has still exceeded expectations. Inter Miami are yet to lose in ten matches since his arrival and have lifted the first trophy in the team’s history, the Leagues Cup.

On a personal level Messi has scored 11 goals and contributed three assists in his ten appearances for the Herons. But for Vela, Messi’s incredible impact has not been a surprise.

“I would have been surprised if he played badly,” Vela said. “It doesn’t matter where in the world, when you are the best player you will be fine.”

“Because when you are the best it doesn’t matter where you go.... He plays well and the team has improved, it’s normal.”

When does Lionel Messi play next?

Inter Miami take on LAFC on Sunday, 3 September at BMO Stadium. The game is schedule to start at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT.

You can watch the game live online with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.