Lionel Messi has been hailed as the most influential player in Major League Soccer (MLS) by Nashville coach Gary Smith, who believes that there is no one else who can match the Argentine superstar’s abilities. Messi, who made the move to the States in 2023, continues to be a talismanic presence at 36 years of age, posing significant challenges for any team that faces him.

Nashville experienced this firsthand in a CONCACAF Champions Cup meeting with Inter Miami, where Messi, despite being forced out of a clash through injury, managed to find the target in both legs of a last-16 encounter. His contributions led to a 5-3 aggregate success for Inter Miami.

Smith admits that containing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains an almost impossible task for all of the domestic opponents that he comes up against in America. Messi’s influence on the Inter Miami team is immense, with an infinite amount of trust in his decisions, techniques, and abilities. His presence on the field elevates the performance of the entire team, causing problems for individuals, midfield players, and defenders alike.

With Messi’s ability to inspire and lead Inter Miami, his impact on the MLS is undeniable, and his importance to the team cannot be overstated. As the Argentine continues to showcase his exceptional talents in the MLS, he solidifies his position as a game-changer and a true asset to the league.

Inter Miami’s upcoming matches in the Major League Soccer include a fixture against DC United on March 16th, followed by a match against Nashville SC on March 17th.