The aura of Lionel Messi has transformed Inter Miami into one of the most media-friendly clubs on the continent since his arrival in 2023. However, not everyone has been dazzled by the magic of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Mateusz Klich, a former Leeds United player and current MLS player, has launched a fierce criticism of David Beckham’s club and, by extension, Messi’s entourage.
In an interview with ‘Foot Truck’, the 35-year-old Polish midfielder was blunt about the American club: “I don’t recommend going to Miami while Messi is there. It’s a disaster.”
Klich doesn’t hold back
Klich, who had a distinguished career with Leeds United between 2017 and 2023, including a key role in promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, has spent the last years of his career in MLS, playing for DC United and Atlanta United. And, he says, his experience facing Inter Miami was not a pleasant one.
“People leave, coaches and physiotherapists leave. Organisationally, the situation is bad,” he said bluntly. According to Klich, the club is completely conditioned by Messi’s entourage: “Messi’s father is basically the one who runs the club. Everyone speaks Spanish and nothing can be done without his consent.”
Beyond sports, the Pole also criticized the club’s logistics: “The club is between 45 and 50 minutes from Miami. It’s not like Europeans think, that you’re on the beach. It’s not comfortable for the players”.It is worth noting that Klich has only shared the field with Messi on one occasion, during a match in May 2024. However, he has faced Inter Miami on three occasions, which has given him a broader view of the atmosphere around the team.
Klich’s recommendations
But Klich did not just throw darts. He also offered his own list of clubs that he believes are better options for players looking to try their hand at soccer in the United States.“I would recommend New York. Red Bull has a better stadium now, but City is also building a great stadium,” he said. He also mentioned Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati as clubs with good infrastructure, albeit with a “boring living environment”
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