Lionel Messi has received stern warning from former Arsenal player Carlos Vela following his move to MLS side Inter Miami.
Vela, Mexican International, had a disappointing time at Arsenal but had a better one when he moved to Spanish side Real Sociedad.
The 34-year-old now plies his trade with Los Angeles FC in MLS following a successful stint with the Spanish club.
Carlos Vela has helped his team reach their first-ever MLS Cup play-off victory last season, bagging 12 goals on the way to their inaugural title win.
Los Angeles FC currently sits in third position in the Western Conference standings, with two points behind league leaders St. Louis albeit two games in hand.
The former PSG attacker has amassed a staggering 42 major honors in his career, including the World Cup in Qatar last year alongside four Champions League trophies.
The team is without a manager but there are chances that the managerless outfit can rally in the coming months to still reach the playoffs.
This can be achieved if they finish in the ninth-place and with the addition of Lionel Messi, there might be an opportunity to qualify.
Messi is likely to make his debut towards the end of July, and Inter Miami’s players now have the task of getting off the fix after six straight defeats.
LAFC star Vela remains unshaken by the news that the 35-year-old will be arriving in MLS in due course, at least, for now.
Vela also admitted that the signing was a huge plus for Inter Miami and the league generally.
Speaking to US TV channel TUDN, he said: “It’s great news for MLS [Messi’s arrival], but I still think that we are still the ones who want to win the title. It doesn’t matter who is on the other teams. Plans don’t change.”
Messi is set to face major challenge in helping the team change their tides in the BRV PNK Stadium, but he may also pick up a winners’ medal in the US Open Cup later this term.
Inter Miami, despite their poor form, have managed a fair campaign by reaching the semi-finals where they will face Cincinnati in August.
Lionel Messi’s team are currently seven points off Montreal who are in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, but it could be a chance for Messi picking up silverware in his first season in the US.
Who Is Carlos Vela?
Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido is a Mexican footballer who captains and plays for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.
The Mexicao international formally played for Arsenal and Real Sociedad and was born on 1 March, 1989.
Vela is described as a versatile player who can play as a forward, winger, and attacking midfielder, he is known for being a creative player and prolific scorer.
Lionel Messi And MLS
Messi’s arrival in the U.S. has been the latest in what has been a trend of footballers advancing American soccer with their presence.
This move started off with late Brazilian Legend Pele in the 1970s and continuing with Beckham in the 2000s.
Messi’s presence in MLS could potentially have a similar effect on league-wide attendance, international exposure, merchandise sales.
The Argentine’s presence could also attract other talented players as Pele and Beckham before him, even though he is joining a league that’s in a stronger position than either of his predecessors.
