MLS
LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini says Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are “by far the best MLS team”
Former Barcelona star Messi set up two goals as The Herons won 3-1 in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
When Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami, they were bottom of the MLS’ Eastern Conference and the overall standings after losing 14 of their first 22 league games of 2023. Fast forward a few weeks and they’re Leagues Cup champions, US Open Cup finalists and now have one eye on clinching a spot in the end-of-season playoffs.
Chiellini: “I think Inter Miami will reach the playoffs”
The Herons will probably have to win at least seven of their nine remaining MLS matches to achieve that, which does seem like a big ask. However, LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini believes they can do it, calling Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side the best team he has ever faced in MLS.
“This team (Inter Miami) is by far the best of all those I have faced, to be totally honest. I think in the end they will reach the playoffs”, the former Juventus centre-back said after his team had suffered a 3-1 home defeat to the Florida side.
Since Messi joined the club, Inter Miami have recorded seven wins and four draws (three of those draws were followed by penalty shootout victories in the Leagues Cup).
Chiellini and family pose with Messi
Despite ending up on the losing side, Chiellini, who spent 18 years with Juve and captained Italy to victory at Euro 2020, couldn’t help but ask for a photo with the former Barcelona star after the full-time whistle.
The Italian was spotted chatting and sharing a hug with Messi, who was happy to pose for a snap with Chiellini’s daughters, visibly excited by having the chance to meet the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
LAFC hoping to defend MLS Cup
LAFC won the 2022 MLS Cup and are well-placed to qualify for the playoffs this time around, although they may well be hoping Inter Miami have left themselves with too much to do to get in if they want to defend the title they won last October.