Gareth Bale has told Lionel Messi that Major League Soccer is much more relaxed and accepting of defeat than he’s used to.
The Argentine superstar made the shock move to sign for MLS side Inter Miami earlier in June, rejecting the romantic choice of returning to his former club Barcelona and the lucrative prospect of a contract in Saudi Arabia, where his rival Cristiano Ronaldo now plays.
Of course, joining the David Beckham-owned Miami team presents plenty of commercial opportunities in itself, and as we’ve already noted Messi will be making healthy amounts in the States as TV revenues and ticket prices soar.
However, the MLS isn’t as mature from a purely footballing point of view as Messi is used to, lacking the quality and intensity of La Liga and the Champions League. Additionally, as is the case in other major American sports, relegation doesn’t exist so there are fewer consequences for consistent poor form.
What advice has Bale given messi?
Having finished his career in the MLS and spent just under ten years in La Liga with Real Madrid, Bale has already experienced the sharp shift in expectations Messi is likely to witness, and gave his former Barca foe some words of wisdom during an interview with BT Sport.
“It is a lot more chilled,” he said. “If you lose at Real Madrid, it is like the world has ended. You are crucified. You feel down. You go home and you’re not happy.
“They accept losing a bit more [in MLS]. There is no consequence. You can’t get relegated over there. When you lose a game you go on to the next one. They accept losing a lot better over there.
“They know how to lose but they celebrate every win like you have won the championship. He will definitely enjoy it.”
Messi very excited by move
Bale spent a season on loan at MLS club Los Angeles FC during 2022/23, scoring two goals in 12 appearances for the club before retiring in January this year.
He played a pivotal part in their MLS Cup Final victory over Philadelphia Union as he scored a dramatic equaliser to make it 3-3 eight minutes into injury time at the end of extra time. Bale didn’t take a penalty, but The Falcons were comfortable 3-0 winners in the shoot-out.
Meanwhile, Messi has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of getting his Miami career underway. The forward returned to Argentina in recent days to participate in a testimonial match for his former teammate Maxi Rodriguez.
Speaking to Argentine television, Messi said: “It is a very nice feeling to have been able to be at [Riquelme’s] testimonial, with all that he means for football in Argentina, what he means to Boca, to be once again in ‘La Bombonera’,
“Now there will be a few days of vacation and then I will start in my new city, my new club, I am very excited.”
It is expected that Messi will make his debut for Inter Miami against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21st.
Written and distributed by Chat T Sports.
