LEAGUES CUP 2023
LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini explains how MLS teams can stop Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi
The Italian veteran was not impressed by the freedom given to the ex-Barcelona star in the Herons’ Leagues Cup game against Atlanta United.
Wednesday marks the beginning of the Leagues Cup 2023 round of 32 and the point at which 2022 MLS Cup winners LAFC enter the competition. In a press conference prior to the Californian side’s first game, in which they will take on Liga MX club FC Juárez, Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini gave his views on ex-Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami.
The former Juventus veteran has come up against the Argentina captain on numerous occasions at both club and international level, and has nothing but praise for one of the sport’s all-time greatest players. When asked about Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer, Chiellini has no doubts he will have a hugely positive impact.
MLS “surprised” by Messi
The 38-year-old also commented on the Argentine’s first two matches with David Beckham’s team, in which Messi has scored three goals in just over two hours on the field: “I was not surprised. The problem is that maybe this league is surprised. I think they (MLS teams) have to do something better to try to contain Messi”.
The former Italy captain was especially critical of the way Atlanta United attempted - and failed - to deal with the former PSG star in their 4-0 Leagues Cup defeat in Miami: “If you think that Messi is a normal player, it’s a huge mistake. It means you haven’t seen him for the last fifteen years. If Sergio (Busquets) has the ball and you don’t mark Messi...maybe you don’t have a TV at home. I expect a little bit more pressure from the other teams. The last game seemed like less than a friendly”.
When will Messi face Chiellini and LAFC for the first time?
The last time Chiellini and Messi faced each other on the field was in the 2022 Finalissima, which pitted 2021 Copa América winners Argentina against Italy, who won Euro 2020. On that occasion, the South Americans very much came out on top, winning 3-0 at Wembley in London.
The draw for the knockout stages of the 2023 Leagues Cup means the pair will only meet if their respective teams reach the final, which will be played on Saturday 19 August. If that doesn’t happen, then their first stateside head-to-head will be the MLS fixture between LAFC and Inter Miami at BMO Stadium on Sunday 3 September.