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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine moved to the United States in 2023</li><li>Has delivered historic trophy triumphs</li><li>Questions asked of ageing squad in MLS Cup bid</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi a ‘failure’? USMNT legend Alexi Lalas reacts to ‘ridiculous’ claim as bold prediction made on Inter Miami superstar’s future

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF

Orlando City

<p>Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/david-beckham-reveals-why-lionel-messi-agreed-mls-move-inter-miami-dream-argentine-goat/blt4512ac37b62ab713" target="_blank">moved to the United States and started chasing the American dream in 2023.</a> He has won the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield during his time in Florida, while also being <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/wasnt-my-mvp-usmnt-legend-alexi-lalas-reacts-lionel-messi-award-inter-miami-superstar-named-best-mls-2024/bltf4316515654b3054" target="_blank">named MLS MVP in 2024</a>.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Argentine icon is back in the trophy hunt for 2025, but has seen a bid for CONCACAF Champions Cup glory ended at the semi-final stage. Inter Miami have also dropped points domestically as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/they-cant-run-why-lionel-messi-luis-suarez-problem-ageing-inter-miami-weaknesses-exposed-concacaf-champions-cup-semi-final-defeat/blt0cafcd5a875381c3" target="_blank">questions begin to be asked of their ageing superstars</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The expectation is that Messi, who turns 38 this summer, will <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/stars-aligning-lionel-messi-future-update-inter-miami-jorge-mas-contract-talks/blte2338e6f7b1967fe" target="_blank">extend his contract at Chase Stadium through 2026</a>. Many believe he needs an MLS Cup title in order to be considered a success, despite there being no questioning the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-super-bowl-taylor-swift-nfl/blt39d85cdceedca32c" target="_blank">impact that he has made on and off the pitch</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Lalas is baffled by any detractors, with the former United States international telling his <a href="https://x.com/SOTUWithAlexi/status/1918335503130345808 " target="_blank"><em>State of the Union</em></a> podcast: “Oh my goodness. I mean, I think that is ridiculous to argue that it has been a failure. I think no matter what happens the Messi time relative to Inter Miami is going to be viewed as a success. 
</p><p>“And when I say that I think it’s relative to attention that he has brought, the money that he has made, the moments that he has provided, and there are still many to come I think because I think he is going to be here at the very least through the 2026 World Cup and maybe even beyond. By all accounts he has enjoyed his time.”</p>

WHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID

<p>Messi has helped to bring more eyes to MLS, as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/celebrity-ticket-requests-watch-lionel-messi-inter-miami-really-crazy-a-list-stars-michael-phelps-swim-usain-bolt-run/blt85f3a676e0646d6b" target="_blank">A-list guests attend Inter Miami fixtures at sold out stadiums</a>, and - with his game time having been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/sad-lionel-messi-breaks-silence-withdrawal-argentina-squad-inter-miami-superstar-emotional-update-injury/bltf17bbb282f4a15d1" target="_blank">carefully managed amid the odd injury concern</a> - there is still every chance that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-lifts-trophy-46-inter-miami-superstar-most-decorated-player-all-time-inter-miami-supporters-shield-mls-2024/blta5661435124b5e01" target="_blank">his record-breaking collection of trophies</a> will be added to before 2025 comes to a close.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

Lionel Messi a ‘failure’? USMNT legend Alexi Lalas reacts to ‘ridiculous’ claim as bold prediction made on Inter Miami superstar’s future | Goal.com

USMNT legend Alexi Lalas considers any suggestion that Lionel Messi’s spell in MLS with Inter Miami has been a failure to be “ridiculous”.

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