Former Wales international Rob Earnshaw has heaped praise on Lionel Messi, hailing the Inter Miami captain as the best player in the league. He believes that the Argentine is an extraordinary talent and remains one of the best dribblers in the game at the age of 38.
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Speaking to GOAL, Earnshaw predicted that Messi will win the MLS MVP award as long as he is playing. He added that it is easy to underestimate players after they turn 30, but the Inter Miami captain has shown that he can continue at the top level for longer. He said:
“As long as he is playing at the level he is playing at, absolutely. The reason I say that, it’s so easy to underestimate and just think of what we know from previous players when they hit those kind of ages, late-30s, there is a drop down. This is a player who is unbelievable. As a football fan it’s nice because as a fan, as a neutral, looking at him just as a football player, it is extraordinary.
“It’s spectacular what we are able to see. He’s 38. He’s one of the best dribblers, he’s one of the best passers, one of the best creators, his imagination is better than anybody, he can score goals and finish. It’s extraordinary what we are still able to see.”
Earnshaw went on to claim that the Eastern Conference side won the MLS title thanks to Messi and would not have gotten close without him. He said:
“For as long as he continues that, he is going to continue winning the MVP, because he is the MVP. He is the MVP of the whole league, never mind Inter Miami! When you are on that level, you really and truly lift a whole league, never mind your team.
“Put it this way, without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami don’t win their first title. Without Messi, Inter Miami are nowhere near the level when it comes to the attention and the aura that is at the club right now. He is the MVP and will continue to be.”
Inter Miami have won three trophies in as many seasons since Lionel Messi joined the club.
Lionel Messi has extended his contract at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after his contract at PSG expired. He confirmed his free transfer in June, and made his debut in July.
He started with the Leagues Cup win in 2023, followed by the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup last season. The Argentine is happy at the MLS club and has since extended his contract until 2028.