LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini said Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was the “best” team he faced in MLS after a 3-1 loss at home to the Southern California club, and backed them as potential playoff contenders.
“Honestly, this team [Miami] is the best I’ve ever faced in MLS,” said the 39-year-old former Italian international defender, as quoted by ESPN.
“Yes, so far,” he continued.
Led by two assists from Messi, Miami managed to contain an LAFC team that was unable to capitalize on opportunities in their crowded home of BMO Stadium, which was packed with a bevy of celebrities in attendance including LeBron James, Leonardo Di Caprio and Rage Against The Machine.
Following the loss, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo was candid when asked in the post-match press conference about Messi’s impact on MLS.
“He’s the best player in the world, what do you think he’ll do when he comes here,” said a dejected Cherundolo.
With two assists on Sunday, Messi took his total to 11 goals and five assists in 11 games played in all competitions with Miami.
Thanks to his form, Miami is unbeaten in those 11 appearances, extending a club streak that began with Messi’s arrival in July.
The former last-ranked team in the MLS Eastern Conference now has just nine games left to climb from 14th to at least ninth place in the playoffs, but Chiellini expects to see him in the postseason.
“I think they will make the playoffs,” said the former Champions League finalist.
Chiellini also praised Messi for what he has done with Miami and the league as a whole.
“Leo’s arrival in this league, it’s great, not only for Miami and the game, but also the attention that everyone is giving MLS. This is a big step for this league,” said Chiellini.
Together with Messi, Inter Miami continues to live out the dream of breaking into the top 9 of the MLS Eastern Conference standings and advancing to the playoffs. Inter Miami is currently in 14th place in the Eastern Conference MLS standings and is 8 points adrift of the playoff zone.
“They’re in a situation where it’s not easy to make the playoffs, but I’m betting on it. Not really betting.” “But, I think they’re going to make the playoffs and I’m not going to want to be number one in the Eastern Conference.
Because you’re going to face Miami in the first round and you’re first or second, so that’s not good,” Chiellini said.
