MLS Players: Messi Is Highly Respected Here, Thus Does Not Encounter Many Fouls

According to Spanish sports outlet Relevo, Messi’s arrival has completely transformed the culture of Major League Soccer (MLS). In the year since his transfer, the profound impact has become a unique phenomenon, markedly different from his time in Europe.

Messi has revolutionized the sport in the United States, making football, which was not as popular, a focal point for many. Matches featuring Inter Miami, where Messi plays, are consistently sold out, and sales of his No. 10 jersey are remarkable, demonstrating the success of his move. From an opponent’s perspective, according to one current MLS player, Messi’s presence has even turned opponents into admirers, making his games easier.

The player told Relevo: “North American players respect Messi so much that, in many cases, they don’t go all out to challenge him for the ball.” A staff member of the league also said: “At the league level, North American players approach South American stars with more respect, while South American opponents tend to be more aggressive and give their all during duels. I think this is related to the cultural differences on the pitch. North American players have a more idealized view when facing Messi, whereas South American players focus more on the physicality.”

Data supports what the player and the staff member said. Last season in the MLS, Messi played only 12 games due to injury concerns, totaling 1035 minutes on the field. During these matches, he suffered 20 fouls, averaging one foul every 52 minutes. In comparison, the most fouled player in the MLS, Puig of LA Galaxy, was fouled once every 31 minutes. In Messi’s last La Liga season (2020/21), over 3023 minutes, he endured 99 fouls, averaging one foul every 31 minutes.

It is clear that the competitive level in North America is significantly lower compared to European leagues, which has protected Messi and allowed him to maintain top-level performance at age 37. Carlos Badías, assistant coach of Chicago Fire, said: “Messi is the best player in the league. He stands out in every game. Yes, his current opponents may be below the average level of those he faced in his career, but even in such a physically demanding league, he still towers above everyone else.”