Alexi Lalas Dismisses Notion Messi Would Struggle in Premier League

Former USMNT defender praises Messi's adaptability and skill across top leagues, including MLS with Inter Miami.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas addressed the ongoing debate about whether Lionel Messi would struggle in the Premier League, dismissing claims that the Argentine superstar would be "eaten alive" in England's top soccer division. Lalas emphasized Messi's exceptional quality and adaptability, noting his successful transitions to Paris Saint-Germain and MLS with Inter Miami. The 38-year-old MLS standout highlighted Messi's status as arguably the greatest player ever and his ability to thrive in different soccer cultures and environments.

Why it matters

The discussion about Messi's potential in the Premier League touches on broader questions regarding how elite talents can adapt to diverse playing environments. Lalas's confident dismissal of the idea that Messi would struggle in England adds an important voice to the conversation, reinforcing the forward's proven ability to overcome various challenges across global football stages.

The details

Lalas pointed out that Messi's skills go beyond any tactical or physical challenges posed by different soccer cultures, stating that the Argentine would "have no problem" and "wouldn't miss a beat" in the Premier League. He observed that Messi's successful transition to Paris Saint-Germain and his impressive performances in MLS with Inter Miami, which features unique travel demands and varied playing surfaces, demonstrate his adaptability and consistent brilliance.

  • Lalas made these comments in 2024.
  • As of February 21, 2026, Messi traveled with Inter Miami to Los Angeles for the MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC.

The players

Alexi Lalas

A former USMNT defender who is now an MLS standout.

Lionel Messi

An Argentine forward who has continued to impress in MLS with Inter Miami, leading the squad to multiple trophies across the 2023 to 2025 seasons.

Javier Mascherano

The manager of Inter Miami, Messi's current club.

Heung-Min Son

A player Messi will face in the MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC.

Hugo Lloris

The goalkeeper Messi will face in the MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC.

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What they’re saying

“He would have no problem. He wouldn't miss a beat. He is not just a great soccer player, but he is arguably the greatest player ever to play the game.”

— Alexi Lalas, Former USMNT Defender (State of the Union podcast)

“I think it's even more impressive what he did when he came to Major League Soccer, because not only each and every game coming up against teams that are at your level, but you've got to travel. And you've got to play on different surfaces. You have to play in all the different challenges that Messi has already lived up to.”

— Alexi Lalas, Former USMNT Defender (Marca)

What’s next

Messi's fitness and form will be critical for manager Javier Mascherano's lineup as the team looks to start the new MLS season strongly. Messi's availability will be closely watched given his influential role in Miami's recent successes.

The takeaway

This debate reinforces the ongoing recognition of Messi's unparalleled skill and adaptability across global football stages, as Alexi Lalas's confident dismissal of the notion that Messi would struggle in the Premier League adds an important voice to the conversation about elite talents thriving in diverse playing environments.