Rob Earnshaw, former Wales international, has commended Lionel Messi for his outstanding performances as captain of Inter Miami. According to Earnshaw, Messi remains one of the top talents in Major League Soccer, demonstrating exceptional dribbling and playmaking abilities despite being 38 years old. He expressed confidence that Messi will continue to secure the MLS MVP title while maintaining this high level of play.
Earnshaw pointed out the common tendency to underestimate players after they pass 30, but emphasized that Messi defies this trend through sustained excellence. Reflecting on Messi’s skills, he said:
“As long as he is playing at the level he is playing at, absolutely. The reason I say that, it’s so easy to underestimate and just think of what we know from previous players when they hit those kind of ages, late-30s, there is a drop down. This is a player who is unbelievable. As a football fan it’s nice because as a fan, as a neutral, looking at him just as a football player, it is extraordinary.
“It’s spectacular what we are able to see. He’s 38. He’s one of the best dribblers, he’s one of the best passers, one of the best creators, his imagination is better than anybody, he can score goals and finish. It’s extraordinary what we are still able to see.”
Messi’s Influence Has Driven Inter Miami’s Success
Earnshaw noted that Inter Miami’s recent triumphs, including their MLS title, are largely attributable to Messi’s presence on the team. He described Messi as the undisputed MVP, whose influence extends beyond just his club, positively raising the profile of the entire league.
He remarked on Messi’s unique contribution by stating:
“For as long as he continues that, he is going to continue winning the MVP, because he is the MVP. He is the MVP of the whole league, never mind Inter Miami! When you are on that level, you really and truly lift a whole league, never mind your team.
“Put it this way, without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami don’t win their first title. Without Messi, Inter Miami are nowhere near the level when it comes to the attention and the aura that is at the club right now. He is the MVP and will continue to be.”
Since Messi joined, Inter Miami has collected three major trophies in just three seasons, underscoring his value and leadership.
Messi Extends His Stay with Inter Miami Until 2028
Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023 following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After confirming his free transfer in June, he made his debut for the club in July of the same year. Messi quickly contributed to the team’s success, helping win the Leagues Cup in 2023, followed by the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup in 2024.
Content with his role and environment, Messi agreed to extend his contract with Inter Miami through 2028, signaling his commitment to continue shaping the future of the club and the MLS as a whole.
