Lionel Messi is arguably the Greatest of All Time on most people’s lists. His departure from Europe to MLS in the USA surprised many of us, and some fanatics are wondering who can match his gameplay.
There are already other popular stars in the league, where others are his former teammates, who fanatics are banking on to compete with the maestro actively.
We shall review these players and analyze how they can be fair against the World Cup winner. Here are Messi’s top opponents in the MLS.
Garth Bale
Though not in his prime, Gareth Bale can statistically match Messi, and his record back in Europe says it all. He has severally faced the Argentine wearing the Real Madrid jersey, including in title-deciding games and cup tournaments like Copa Del Ray.
The former Tottenham star plays for Los Angeles FC, where his skills are more than needed as the team struggles in the Western Conference. This is the same case for Messi, with his squad Inter Miami bottom of the Eastern Conference, an unfamiliar position for Lionel.
Bale and Messi are key stake options for sports betting online, where the Betway app/website allows you to bet on the goals to be scored by the stars.
Giorgio Chiellini
Chiellini and Messi had severally met in the UEFA champions league when Messi outshined the Italian and his team (Juventus). They meet again to reincarnate their rivalry, considering the competitive nature of the legendary defender, who has clashed with Lionel during their games.
The aging Italian is still in his prime, considering his recent success was lifting the EUROS in 2020. Additionally, he was voted as the best defender of the tournament, thus evident that he has something to prove in his new home, Los Angeles FC.
Lorenzo Insigne
Lorenzo Insigne is another Italian who is still enjoying his prime. His move to the MLS, like Messi, was surprising, considering it came after he won the EUROs with his country.
Playing for Toronto FC, he’ll look to be a key playmaker, a concept in which Messi excels. Lorenzo, however, is a great attacker in his own right. He provides the necessary opposition for the Argentine and offers Betway bettors additional wagering options.
Riqui Puig
Riqui Puig is a former Barcelona star and played alongside Messi shortly before he left for PSG. His popularity in the Spanish club went downhill fast, despite his comparison with the now Barca coach, famously called the ‘new Xavi.’
Nonetheless, the youngster has greatly turned around his career in Beckham’s team LA Galaxy. Therefore he can give Messi the necessary competition from the midfield. His playmaking will be regularly needed if he needs to be compared with his former teammate. Many will argue he can successfully return to Europe, and Barcelona fans would love to see him back at Camp Nou.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi is looking to retire in style and has one more show to perform in the MLS. The mentioned players prove that the American League is also competitive, like the European leagues, and show who Messi has to surpass to lift more trophies. Only time will tell what happens, with the football world rooting for Lionel to achieve more.
