Former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has heaped praise on Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, urging Major League Soccer (MLS) fans not to take his genius for granted and to celebrate him as long as they possibly can.
Lionel Messi Dropped A Masterclass Against Sporting KC In Front Of Soldout Kansas City Stadium
Eager to bounce back from their CONCACAF Champions Cup elimination, Messi’s Inter Miami traveled to Children’s Mercy Park for their MLS clash with Sporting KC on Saturday night (April 13). The Argentian delivered an excellent performance, scoring once and providing an assist to take the Herons to a 3-2 victory.
A record 72,000 fans flocked to the Children’s Mercy Park to watch the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at his majestic best. And it is safe to say they got what they came for.
Taylor Twellman Says Lionel Messi’s Genius Is Often Taken For Granted
After the game, Twellman discussed the impact the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has had in MLS, suggesting the league may not ever see a better player.
Following Messi and Co.’s win in Missouri, Twellman said (via GOAL):
“72,000 people showed up in Kansas City to watch an MLS league game – that is the fourth largest in league history for a single MLS game. Just let that sink in. Even their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, wanted to be there 90 minutes before kick-off to soak it all in. And tip of the cap to the fans. I was expecting a pro-Messi crowd. It was a pro-Kansas City crowd, and then some.
“But how do you not marvel at what Messi does on and off the field? People forget that in 2008, Sporting Kansas City played their last competitive game in that building against the LA Galaxy, where Inter Miami owner David Beckham was in town and they only drew 26,000.”
He concluded by adding:
“Messi shows up, they sell out in less than a week. But then it’s the ability to rise to the occasion every single time and give the people what they want – the assists, the goal, the win. We take it for granted what he does and what it all means. And when it’s all said and done, will we ever see the likes of this again? I doubt it.”
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker has played five matches in MLS this season, scoring five times and providing two assists.
