Lionel Messi in Inter Miami is not the same as his days in Europe and leading the Argentina national team.
On the latest edition of the New Heights podcast, Jason and brother Travis raved over the NFL scheduling the Eagles-Packers game in Brazil this season. As a result, Jason began raving about soccer and the difference between MLS and other competitions.
Jason, who earlier talked about his experience watching the 2016 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, kept his stance after Travis raved about Messi’s recent game in Kansas City.
‘I’ll tell you what though, Messi played in Kansas City this past weekend,’ Travis shared. ‘He played in Arrowhead, actually.’
Jason said: ‘It’s not the same being in the MLS,’ to which Travis replied: ‘Why is it not? Don’t s**t on the MLS, don’t do this, Jason.’
Jason Kelce insisted that Lionel Messi playing Miami is not the same as his previous teams
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After leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Messi moved to Major League Soccer
‘I’m not sh****ng on the MLS,’ Jason continued. ‘I’m saying it’s not international soccer. When you think of soccer, I know there’s all these wonderful clubs overseas, there’s the MLS, I think of the World Cup, that’s all I’m saying. It’s international play and then everything else.’
While his older brother raved about international competitions, the three-time Super Bowl champion insisted ‘it’s all about the Premier League.’
However, after Travis stood his ground on defending Major League Soccer, Jason remained adamant that the level of play in the US is not the same as Messi’s previous competitions.
‘I didn’t say I won’t watch it (MLS),’ Jason insisted. ‘I’m just saying it wasn’t the same level. Seeing Messi play for Miami is not the same as when he played in Barcelona or when he was at the world stage at the World Cup. That’s all I’m saying – it’s not the same.’
After leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in 2023, the Argentine shocked the sporting world by leaving Paris Saint Germain and joining David Beckham’s club in Fort Lauderdale.
Upon his entry, Messi led The Herons to their first club title by winning the inaugural Leagues Cup. He also led Inter Miami to the US Open Cup Final within months of arriving.
‘Seeing Michael Jordan on the golf course is not the same as seeing Jordan in a Bulls uniform,’ Jason said, prompting Travis to burst into laughter.
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Messi recently played at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs
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Upon his arrival in Miami, Messi led The Herons to their first club trophy in the Leagues Cup
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Travis likened Messi’s move to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played in MLS in 2018-2020
‘You see one person on the biggest stage possible, with the biggest team in history,’ he explained. ‘This is the best soccer player at the World Cup. That’s different than seeing Lionel Messi tearing it up in Kansas City, just saying.’
Travis continued to push back and compared Messi’s MLS venture to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish goal-scorer played for Inter, Milan, Barcelona, and PSG before finding himself with the LA Galaxy from 2018-2020.
‘Dude, it’s the same – it’s Lionel Messi,’ Travis said. ‘It was the same as when Ibrahimovic went f***ing crazy in LA. It’s great, it’s electric. He made the MLS fun to watch.’
‘I’m not saying it’s not good for MLS, I’m not saying it’s not great, I’m saying it’s not as good,’ Jason replied. ‘I’m not saying it sucks that he’s playing in Miami, it’s awesome for the MLS, it’s great for American soccer.
‘I’m just saying it’s nowhere near when he scores a goal for Argentina and the entire country is erupting and cheers because it means more to Argentina than any other sport on the planet.’