Lionel Messi Appears To Agree With Cristiano Ronaldo That the MLS Is a ‘Lesser League’

• Lionel Messi has made a brutal assessment of the Major League Soccer (MLS)
• Messi openly admitted that the MLS is not in the same category as Europe's top five leagues
• His statement appears to agree with Cristiano Ronaldo's earlier assessment of the MLS

Lionel Messi recently opened up about his decision to join Major League Soccer (MLS), revealing some candid thoughts behind his move.

After guiding Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory, Messi chose to make a transatlantic shift, departing PSG to join Inter Miami.

Following the end of his contract with the French champions, Messi had several enticing offers.

Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League reportedly made a record-breaking proposal, and there was also interest from his former club, FC Barcelona, looking to bring back their beloved icon.

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Messi moves to Miami

However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner opted for a move to Inter Miami.

Since arriving in the United States, the 36-year-old has been instrumental in inspiring the Florida-based team to their first-ever trophy, winning the inaugural Leagues Cup.

In his brief stint with Inter Miami, he has made a significant impact with 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Yet, despite his strong performances, the Herons fell short of making the MLS playoffs, signalling the end of their 2023 campaign.

Reflecting on his MLS experience, Messi acknowledged that the league's standard didn't quite match up to La Liga or the French Ligue 1.

In an interview with StarPlus, he admitted that the MLS schedule might have an impact on his playing level.

However, Messi emphasised that, at 36, the opportunity in the MLS felt right for both him and his family.

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"I said it several times, and it is a reality: I will always try to compete to the maximum, and I am the first to know when I can be there and when I can’t.

“I am also aware that I went to a lesser league, but a lot happens because of the personal and the way one faces it and competes.

“As long as I feel that I’m fine and I can continue contributing, I’m going to do it [represent the national team],” Messi said as quoted by Daily Post.

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Ronaldo claims SPL is better than MLS

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has said that the Saudi Pro League surpasses the MLS in quality and stated unequivocally that he harbours no intentions of playing in the United States.

In the wake of Lionel Messi's grand introduction as Major League Soccer's star attraction, Ronaldo took the opportunity to publicly undermine the league's calibre and affirm his dedication to elevating the Saudi Pro League into a premier global competition.