03 September 2023 , 17:59
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Giorgio Chiellini has spoken in glowing terms about upcoming opponent Lionel Messi as Los Angeles FC prepare to face Inter Miami, admitting he believes there's no way to stop him.
The Italy stalwart will represent a significant stumbling block for the Argentine icon to overcome if he is to inspire his team to a crucial away victory. If the 37-year-old forward's start to life in Florida is anything to go by, it is clear that this meeting could turn into a titanic tussle.
With Chiellini having represented European giants Juventus with distinction for nearly two decades, he is one of the most experienced defenders in MLS. Despite Messi having scored 11 times in his first 10 games for Vice City, he may be about to face the sternest test of his time in the US thus far.
As these two world-famous stars prepare to face off in California, it is clear that Chiellini holds the seven-time Ballon d'Or victor in the highest esteem. Describing his admiration for the winger, he told the Los Angeles Times: "One thing is sure: you cannot stop him with just one man. It’s impossible. He's an extra-terrestrial.
"He’s not like a normal guy. He was and he is so really different from other players. It’s like LeBron [James] or [Michael] Jordan. They are different from the other ones."
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Describing how Messi's threat manifests itself at this late stage in his glittering career, he explained: "He could seem sleepy for 85 of 90 minutes, but in that five minutes he could be devastating. That’s a top player."
With the Herons coming into this clash on a ten-game unbeaten run, it is clear that the team is in the midst of a purple patch. The 117-time international is not underestimating the challenge posed by the resurgent Floridan outfit, therefore.
Lionel Messi has scored 11 goals in ten appearances for Inter Miami (Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)"We have to respect that but we don’t have to be scared of them," he continued. "We cannot focus just on Messi, the game is LAFC against Miami. Miami built a strong team. [The new players] are like cherries on the top of the cake, but the cake was good in the last month."
The one-time European Championships winner has noticed a correlation between his new rival's contentment off the pitch and his brilliance on the field since moving stateside. He went on to acknowledge an understanding regarding how the player must be feeling currently after leaving Europe for the first time in his career.
He added: "He’s happy, I have the same happiness. We played, players like us, a lot of years with pressure and here we discover many other aspects of life that you can really enjoy.
"I saw him in the grocery store with his family, something that is not possible in Europe. You could really enjoy much more the life. It’s really a good choice to come here.”