'How can we stop a god like Messi?' — MLS defenders are too scared to try
Lionel Messi’s transition into Major League Soccer continues to generate headlines—not just for his goals and assists, but for how little resistance he’s facing from defenders. Speaking on MLS Wrap-Up, soccer analyst Andrew Wiebe pointed to a growing issue in the league: defenders are too afraid of being humiliated by the Argentine legend.
'L. Messi.'
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In Inter Miami’s most recent outings, Messi has had ample time and space to dictate play, link up with long-time teammate Luis Suárez, and orchestrate dominant performances. This stands in sharp contrast to his tougher battles in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where CF Monterrey pressured Messi aggressively and with effect.
“It’s the fear,” Wiebe said on the show. “Nobody wants to close in on Messi, no one wants to get embarrassed. But then all of a sudden he sits, he waits, he finds the angle, and that’s a connection [with Suárez] we have seen hundreds of times.”
Messi’s aura, cultivated over two decades of dominance in Europe and internationally, seems to have cast a psychological shadow over MLS defenders. The fear of becoming the next viral highlight—of being dribbled past or wrong-footed—is paralyzing players, who are opting for passive defending rather than risk taking on one of the game’s greatest talents.
This passive approach is proving costly. Inter Miami are starting to steamroll the league, and unless defenders change their mindset, this trend could continue unchecked.
“It makes sense why some players are thinking it’s easier to do nothing,” Wiebe noted. “But if MLS teams want to stay competitive this season, they’ll need to confront Messi head-on. Playing scared won’t cut it.”
Messi, 37, may be in the twilight of his career, but his vision, timing, and execution remain elite. And as long as defenders are more worried about their pride than stopping the playmaker, Inter Miami will likely continue their dominant run in MLS.
For MLS to grow in both stature and competitiveness, defenders must overcome the intimidation factor and treat Messi as just another opponent to neutralize—no matter how daunting the task. Otherwise, the league risks becoming a highlight reel for Messi’s golden years.
