MLS
Giorgio Chiellini reveals the LAFC plan for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami
The Italian defender believes that LAFC must avoid getting into a battle with the Argentine World Cup winner.
LAFC take on Inter Miami on Sunday evening, in a clash of two of the most electrifying attacking units in MLS.
The MLS Cup holders have added Mario González to established stars Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela; while Miami have Josef Martinez and Ryan Taylor, alongside the extraordinary talents of Lionel Messi.
Messi has made an incredible impact since arriving in the United States, but LAFC insist that they will not be focusing entirely on the World Cup-winning Argentine.
“We cannot focus just on Messi,” said LAFC defender and former Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini. “The game is LAFC against Miami.”
The Italian has extensive experience of facing Messi - both at club and national team level - and he is only too aware of the danger of trying to take him on directly.
“If you want to play one-against-one against Messi, it’s impossible to win. But I think, however, LAFC could beat Miami as a group.”
LAFC coach receives requests for Inter Miami tickets
Since Messi’s arrival, every single Inter Miami game has been a sell-out. With the Argentine preparing to face one of the best teams in MLS the demand for tickets has gone into overdrive, with prices soaring to record levels
In fact, the average cost of a ticket to a ‘Messi game’ is now 527% higher than a regular ticket price.
Read more on Messi and Miami
Even LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo revealed that friends have called asking for tickets for Sunday’s game.
“But it’s very easy to deal with,” Cherundolo said, when asked about the requests. “The answer is no.”
Is Lionel Messi playing against Inter Miami?
There is huge excitement in Los Angeles ahead of the visit of one of soccer’s all-time greats. Tickets are changing hands for well in excess of $1,000, but will the 36-year-old play?
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino admitted recently that Messi will need to be rested in the coming weeks.
“We will have three matches scheduled in a short window and he will need to rest,” the Miami boss said.
However Martino has confirmed that Messi will start against LAFC, barring any freak injury that prevents him taking part. Great news for supporters in attendance, but reason to fear for LAFC as they look to bounce back from the Charlotte defeat.
“It’s an illusion to try to think you’re gonna stop him for 90 minutes,” Cherundolo said ahead of the match. “That’s just the way the game works and the way he’s been able to do throughout his career against every team.”