Ex-Soccer Player Questions Lionel Messi’s Form to Point a Finger at MLS for the Argentine’s Goalless Performance Against Canada

A relatively easy test turned tough for Lionel Messi as he took on Canada in the opener of the Copa America 2024. All eyes were on the Argentine captain who was expected to take down the 48th ranked team with ease. However, the star was left goalless in the game despite some stunning plays on the field during the 2-0 win. Hence this has raised a couple of doubts regarding his goalscoring prowess with a former Premier League legend bringing MLS under a bit of scrutiny.

The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner’s performance was subject to discussion by former Newcastle United player Shaka Hislop and Sebastian Salazar. Both of them felt that the USA’s premier soccer competition could be one of the reasons for Lionel Messi not scoring today.

Speaking on ESPN, Salazar initially asked, “He is now at a very different level and he’s been in Major League Soccer for over a year now. And you’re saying he’s missing chances that he usually wouldn’t. Is that down to where he plays?” comparing Messi before joining MLS. Subsequently, Shaka slightly agreed by saying, “Possibly, you can see that as being a factor. But then you take a game or two to get back into top speed.”

More to follow…