‘Defenders Are Afraid of Him’: Why Lionel Messi Is Performing in the MLS for Inter Miami

• Lionel Messi has been in scorching form in the MLS
• He has 23 goal contributions in 12 games this term
• A pundit has explained why Messi is starring in Miami

Lionel Messi's impressive performance in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami has been attributed to a curious school of thought.

The Argentine maestro has been in scorching form for the Herons this season, producing mesmeric moments, coupled with an avalanche of goals and assists.

Lionel Messi's remarkable form this season

According to Transfermarkt, Messi has notched an astonishing 12 goals and provided 11 assists across various competitions for Miami, boasting an impressive goal contribution every 83 minutes.

A list of footballers with autism in the world right now

Football

His stellar performances have seen him etch his name into the annals of MLS history.

During a remarkable outing against the New York Red Bulls, Messi's six-goal haul, a goal, and five assists propelled him to break two records simultaneously.

The league's official website confirmed that he became the player with the most assists (5) and goal contributions (6) in a single MLS game.

His sensational showing culminated in Inter Miami's emphatic 6-2 victory at Chase Stadium on May 4, leaving spectators in awe.

Why Lionel Messi is performing in MLS

Such extraordinary displays have led to speculation about the mindset of opposing defenders in the American top flight.

In his assessment of the situation, pundit, Andrew Wiebe suggested that defenders may be reluctant to engage Messi because they fear being embarrassed by his exceptional skill and ability.

“It’s the fear," Wiebe said on MLS Wrap-Up, as cited by Sportskeeda.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals: 15 of the best CR7 goals and Cristiano Ronaldo assists last season

Football

"Nobody wants to close in on Messi, no one wants to get embarrassed, but then all of a sudden he sits, he waits, he finds the angle, and that’s a connection [with Suarez] we have seen hundreds of times."

Unfortunately, his four-game goal-scoring streak came to an end against CF Montreal. Nonetheless, his side sealed a vital win on the road to tighten their grip at the summit of the Eastern Conference.

Messi frustrated with new MLS rule

Sports Brief also reported that Messi expressed his frustration with a rule during Inter Miami's 3-2 victory over CF Montreal, showing his discontent in an unusual manner.

The Argentine endured a rough tackle from George Campbell and required treatment after being on the ground for over 15 seconds.

A recent MLS regulation mandates that any player receiving treatment cannot re-enter the field until after two minutes, leaving the captain sidelined as a mere spectator.