Enough is enough! It's time to ditch VAR

USWNT star Fishel is exactly what Chelsea & Kerr need!

Who is to blame for Chelsea's year of discontent?

Neymar: From penalty zero to Al-Hilal hero

Antony's story: From 'Little Hell' to 'The Theatre of Dreams'

Mudryk & Broja get the job done for Chelsea!

Rashford goes missing in latest Man Utd debacle

VAR is useless! 10 worst decisions in Premier League history

Best young players to buy on EA Sports FC 24 💎

Mac Allister risks FA punishment over ‘12 players’ ref jibe

Forget Matip's mistake - Klopp must be p*ssed off with VAR!

He does it again! Ronaldo sparks the comeback for Al-Nassr

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="betting-e2">{"type":"betting-e2","data":{"key":{"mobile":"fb9f812b41240655c161bb3d4ad2cf3f","desktop":"671024543858da3e0dfea5d9450ab1a4"}}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine icon starring in the States</li><li>Has already claimed major silverware</li><li>Familiar faces aiding his efforts</li></ul>

‘Without Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi would find it harder’ – Ashley Westwood salutes ‘incredible’ impact of MLS rivals at Inter Miami

<p>The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is in line to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/revealed-why-lionel-messi-doesnt-care-eighth-ballon-d-or-inter-miami-battles-man-city-erling-haaland-golden-ball/blt90cf1301d71971a0" target="_blank">win an eighth Golden Ball</a> in 2023, has settled quickly since <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/secret-meetings-10-year-project-how-david-beckham-signed-lionel-messi-inter-miami-co-owner/bltcc28a521e2bdff22 " target="_blank">making a summer move to the United States</a>. Messi has already <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/44-trophies-lionel-messi-all-time-record-very-good-hands-inter-miami-tata-martino-historic-leagues-cup/blt4c0a84c28d5bf241 " target="_blank">inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory</a>, a place in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-inspired-inter-miami-super-crack-mode-tata-martino-impact-us-open-cup-final/blt3b28687dbc4fa0f7 " target="_blank">the U.S. Open Cup final</a> and a shot at securing a play-off berth in the MLS Eastern Conference.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Messi has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-marvel-from-thor-wakanda-forever-inter-miami-superstar-new-goal-celebration/bltabab8cd7b8669589" target="_blank">netted 11 goals through as many appearances</a> for his new Florida-based employers, with collective standards raised high enough that Inter Miami were able to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-clever-role-change-loophole-allowed-lionel-messi-bench-argentina-not-substitute/blt70ddd5ba1972fbda" target="_blank">continue winning without him during the international break</a>. That is because they have also acquired former Barcelona stars Busquets and Jordi Alba, with Messi no one-man show in the U.S. despite being <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lionel-messi-no1-inter-miami-superstar-ranked-coolest-above-lebron-james-serena-williams-kim-kardashian/bltdca6f8797dda84cc" target="_blank">the biggest attraction</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Westwood, who left Premier League side Burnley for Charlotte FC in January and came up against Messi and Co in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Leagues Cup, has told <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11708/12961321/ashley-westwood-former-burnley-midfielder-hails-impact-of-lionel-messi-in-major-league-soccer " target="_blank"><em>Sky Sports</em></a> of the Argentine’s impact: “The whole thing he's brought to the MLS has been incredible, I've played against some unbelievable players in the Premier League but even at his age he's still the greatest I've ever faced. Sergio Busquets in midfield as well, he just sees things that others don't. Without Busquets, I think Messi would find it a little bit harder but he's got Busquets in midfield to find him with every pass. To play against him was a real honour but he got the best of us so hopefully we'll do a job when he comes to us!”</p>

WHAT THEY SAID

<p>Inter Miami will wrap up their 2023 regular season campaign with back-to-back outings against Charlotte FC. They will hope to already be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/anything-can-happen-inter-miami-lionel-messi-believe-mls-play-off-bid-10-point-gap/blt1d0bfee2983280aa " target="_blank">occupying a play-off berth by then</a>, with there still a six-point gap for them to bridge as Messi prepares to return to domestic action against Atlanta United in Saturday.</p>

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

‘Without Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi would find it harder’ – Ashley Westwood salutes ‘incredible’ impact of MLS rivals at Inter Miami | Goal.com Malaysia

Lionel Messi would be finding life in America “a bit harder” without Sergio Busquets but has still made an “incredible” impact, says Ashley Westwood.

Editors' Picks