Lionel Messi Criticism Piles On After Day Off as Alexi Lalas Makes David Beckham Comparison
Lionel Messi has long been the darling of world football, but even the greatest of all time are not immune to criticism. After taking a day off and missing Inter Miami’s recent friendly match against a Hong Kong XI, Messi has faced backlash from fans and pundits alike. Among those weighing in on the controversy is former U.S. international and current Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas, who drew a pointed comparison between Messi and David Beckham.
The Growing Criticism of Messi’s Absence
Messi, 36, was expected to feature in Inter Miami’s friendly in Hong Kong as part of the club’s international preseason tour. However, the Argentine legend remained on the sidelines due to what the team called a minor injury. That didn’t sit well with the packed stadium of fans who had paid premium prices to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action.
Inter Miami and Messi later apologized for his absence, but the damage was already done. Angry spectators and media outlets criticized the situation, questioning whether the trip was more about branding than actual football. Some argued that even if Messi couldn’t play, he could have at least made a brief cameo or addressed the crowd to acknowledge their support.
Alexi Lalas’ Take: Messi vs. Beckham
Never one to shy away from controversial takes, Alexi Lalas weighed in on the debate by comparing Messi’s situation to that of David Beckham when he joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2007. Lalas pointed out that Beckham faced heavy scrutiny for missing MLS games early in his LA Galaxy career, with some questioning his commitment to growing the league.
Lalas suggested that Messi is now experiencing a similar wave of skepticism. “When Beckham came to MLS, there was this conversation about whether he was really here for the football or just the brand. Now, with Messi, after this Hong Kong situation, people are starting to ask those same questions,” Lalas said during a recent Fox Sports segment.
While Lalas stopped short of accusing Messi of prioritizing commercial obligations over football, his comments added fuel to the discussion. Beckham eventually won over critics by leading LA Galaxy to multiple MLS Cups and helping transform the league’s global reputation. The question now is whether Messi’s absences—whether due to injury or scheduling decisions—will leave a lasting stain on his MLS legacy.
Messi’s Global Stardom vs. MLS Demands
It’s important to acknowledge that Messi’s situation is different from Beckham’s. Unlike Beckham, who was primarily a marketing icon when he arrived in MLS, Messi remains an elite footballer even in his late 30s. He led Argentina to World Cup glory just over a year ago and continues to be a game-changer for Inter Miami when he plays.
However, the Hong Kong debacle highlights the challenge of balancing Messi’s immense global appeal with his on-field responsibilities. Inter Miami, under Beckham’s ownership, has embraced the Messi phenomenon as both a sporting and business venture. While that benefits the club financially, it also means Messi will be under immense scrutiny whenever he fails to deliver on fan expectations.
What’s Next for Messi and Inter Miami?
Despite the controversy, Messi’s impact on MLS remains undeniable. He helped lead Inter Miami to its first-ever Leagues Cup title last season and has elevated the league’s global profile. Still, the scrutiny will only intensify if similar incidents occur, especially as Inter Miami gears up for the 2024 MLS season.
Messi will need to carefully manage his fitness while ensuring he meets the expectations of fans who have invested heavily in the Messi experience. Whether this Hong Kong incident will be a mere footnote or a defining moment in his MLS tenure remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is certain—when you’re Lionel Messi, every move is magnified, and the world is always watching.
