Silence did not last long after the 4-3 defeat of Inter Miami against Dallas. And it was a legend of American football that drew the first. In his latest podcast, this former international, very influential in the US media landscape, did not chew his words after the absence of Lionel Messi and other stars during this meeting. According to him, it is a real slap inflicted on fans and opponents. An attack in good standing against Argentinian genius? This is what the virulent tone of this media outing suggests.
In reality, behind this rant hides Alexi Lalas, hero of the 1994 World Cup and now an essential figure in the American “soccer”. The real heart of his criticism? The staff of Inter Miami, accused of not respecting the supporters or the opponents, choosing to rest Messi, Suárez, Busquets and Alba despite their state of form.
“When you pay to see Messi and you find yourself with a B team, it's a lack of respect”, Loose Lalas, who also wonders about the economic model of the franchise.
Alexi Lalas targets the staff … but Messi is in sight
What irritates Lalas is above all the feeling that Dallas was underestimated.
“They thought they were getting out of it with an alleged eleven. Dallas made them pay “he explains. According to him, this casual management of the stars calls into question the credibility of the team and tarnishes the image of the MLS. For the fans present, the frustration is double: defeat on the ground and frustration in the stands.
Messi at the heart of a wider debate
Although criticism officially targets the staff, Messi's figure remains omnipresent. His status as a mega-star implies constant expectations, and his absence, even strategic, does not pass. Lalas sums up the ambient state of mind: “When Messi does not play, a whole economy is collapsing”.
A statement that speaks volumes about the weight that the Argentinian has … even on the bench.
This controversy relaunches an old debate: how to reconcile sporting requirement, preservation of stars and public satisfaction? With a Messi at the center of everything, the slightest decision will gain a national magnitude. And if Lalas set foot in the dish, it is surely not the last to do it.
