“I am aware that I went to a lesser league” – Lionel Messi breaks silence on his decision to shift from playing in Europe to the MLS
Lionel Messi described the MLS as a "lesser league."
Lionel Messi‘s shock transfer to the MLS had many supporters doubting the player’s decision to join a ‘farmers’ league,’ as the fans put it. The World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently discussed his decision to join the MLS and his reasoning for doing so. In an interview with StarPlus.com, he confessed that he is aware of his shift to a “lower league.”
The Argentine stated the same thing as part of a bigger conversation on his tenure with the national team. Messi stated, “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. A lot of this happens because of personal reasons and how one faces them and competes.”
Meanwhile, Messi has told Argentina supporters that he will continue to compete to the best of his ability and that he would be the first to know when he can and cannot play. Although the MLS is ranked 16th in the world, Messi has conceded that the demanding schedule and caliber of the league may have an impact on his performance for Argentina.
The Argentine will not play again in 2023, since the latest game will be in February, when Inter Miami begins their preseason. The footballer has stated that he will continue to play at a ‘high level’ until the Copa America in 2024.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo blows kisses to the Al-Hilal fans chanting Lionel Messi’s name
Robert Lewandowski’s comments about Ballon d’Or have angered Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski battled for the 2021 Ballon d’Or, with the Argentine lifting the prize for a record seventh time. Lewandowski was not happy and stated his dissatisfaction several times. The Argentine, on the other hand, replied calmly and added that the Pole deserved the same in 2020 when it was ‘canceled’ due to COVID.
Messi’s ‘rage’ stemmed from Lewandowski‘s decision to call his words into question. Messi commented, “When I won the Ballon d’Or, I said what I felt.”
The Argentine revealed as much in a recent interview with StarPlus.com, adding that the two talked things out after the game. He went on to say that Lewandowski had emphasized that his words had been misinterpreted and misreported by the media.
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