A former Russian international, Dmitry Bulykin, has publicly praised Lionel Messi for his impact with Inter Miami, highlighting how the Argentine icon continues to influence matches and lift the team in Major League Soccer. His observations were shared with Sports Express as part of a broader assessment of Messi’s influence in the United States soccer landscape.
According to Bulykin, Messi ranks among the all time greats. He changes outcomes, and his presence makes the whole squad stronger, even in a league that many see as less challenging than Europe’s top competitions. Messi chose this phase of his career with confidence, believing it was the right move for him. For a player nearing retirement, the decision also reflects a strategic choice about where to play and what to earn.
Bulykin notes that MLS presents a different level of competition, one that allows Messi to showcase his abilities with fewer obstacles than in some European leagues. Yet the same ability to read games, decide quickly, and convert chances has been evident since his European days. The core idea is that Messi’s genius lies in his capacity to influence outcomes in the moment and bring clarity to complex situations on the field.
Across the United States, the effect is visible in Inter Miami’s results and spirit. A team that had struggled to secure wins now shows resolve and confidence on the pitch, a transformation many attribute to Messi’s standards of play. His influence goes beyond scoring; it extends to leadership, timely passes, and the overall tempo of the game, which have helped the club accumulate trophies and push for important victories.
On August 24, Inter Miami faced Cincinnati in the semifinals of the U S Open Cup, traveling away from home. The match finished in a 3-3 draw after regular time, with the consequences decided by penalties, where Miami prevailed 5-4. Messi did not convert his spot kick in this match, the first time he failed to score from the penalty spot during his United States stint. Nevertheless, he contributed two assists, underscoring his ongoing relevance and the breadth of his involvement in the game.
As the tournament progressed, Inter Miami prepared for the final, set to pit them against the winner of the Houston Dynamo versus Real Salt Lake contest. The path to the final has been shaped in no small part by Messi’s creative playmaking and his ability to drag teammates toward decisive results, reinforcing his standing as a pivotal figure in American soccer.
In debates about the greatest players of all time, eyes often settle on two names, Messi and Ronaldo. The discussion remains a staple among fans and analysts alike, reflecting the enduring appeal and rivalry between two generations of elite footballing talent. The current narrative, framed by Messi’s ongoing chapter in MLS, continues to shape perceptions about where top-level football can flourish and how a single visionary can redefine a club’s fortunes in a foreign league.