America praises Lionel Messi, but US international midfielder Walker Zimmerman warns Inter Miami's new signing will face many difficulties in the MLS.
"Messi is clearly a generational talent and someone who has almost transcended the game," Goal quoted Zimmerman as saying on June 7. "I hope Messi maintains his level of competition in MLS, because everyone knows MLS is a tough league."
Zimmerman (No. 25) in a Nashville SC MLS match. Photo: Nashville Post
According to the 30-year-old American midfielder, MLS is very competitive because the matches are tight, contested and players have to move a lot between matches. Zimmerman also commented that Inter Miami's opponents will be motivated to compete, steal the ball or intercept Messi's pass and then go home to tell their children.
Zimmerman has represented the U18, U20 and U23 teams and has three goals in 40 appearances for the U.S. national team. He has played exclusively in the U.S. since the beginning of his career, playing for FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC and now Nashville SC.
Despite Nashville and Inter Miami being rivals in the MLS Eastern Conference, Zimmerman is keen to see Messi shine and bring success to his new club. The defender is also excited to see how the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will be received by fans at matches in the United States.
As one of Europe's brightest superstars at the peak of his career, Messi is expected to help elevate MLS like Beckham did in the late 2000s. Photo: PA
On the evening of June 7, Inter Miami announced the signing of Messi on a free transfer, creating the largest contract in MLS history. To attract the 35-year-old star, the American club coordinated with major brands such as Adidas and Apple. In addition, Messi also received an agreement to own a part of a club in the United States, after his contract with Inter Miami ended.
Zimmerman admitted that Messi's move to Inter Miami was the biggest deal in MLS history and compared it to David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy in 2007. "You've seen how the league has changed in the 15 years since Beckham came," Zimmerman continued. "Hopefully MLS will continue to grow over the next 15 years. This deal will be great for American sports, especially leading up to the 2026 World Cup, and I'm excited to play against Messi."
Messi is on holiday with his family, before joining up with the Argentina squad next week for two friendly matches against Australia in Beijing, China on June 15, and Indonesia at Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on June 19. Messi's first match for Inter Miami is likely to take place in July.
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