“Maybe in an MLS final?” - Brazilian winger shares why he never asked for Lionel Messi’s shirt after facing Inter Miami with LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy star Gabriel Pec recently spoke about why he still hasn't asked Lionel Messi for his shirt despite facing Inter Miami in the MLS. The Brazilian winger joined the Los Angeles club from Vasco da Gama in January 2024 on a five-year Young Designated Player deal.
Gabriel Pec has been impressive for LA Galaxy this MLS season, recording 19 goals and 18 assists in 38 outings across competitions. He also beat Luis Suarez to become the MLS Signing of the Season with 37.53% votes. The Brazilian has faced Lionel Messi's Inter Miami only once so far in a 1-1 draw in the MLS.
With LA Galaxy already reserving their spot in the Western Conference semi-final, Pec now wishes to face Messi in the MLS Playoffs final. Inter Miami are yet to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-final with their final game in the Round of 3 series against Atlanta United on November 9.
In an interview with Brazilian outlet ge.globo, Gabriel Pec said that he hopes to meet Lionel Messi in the MLS final (via MLS Multiplex):
"I confess that if I'd been here longer, I would've gone up to Messi and asked for his jersey. But I was a bit shy. Maybe in an MLS final? Galaxy vs. Miami. I'd definitely go up to him, shake his hand."
LA Galaxy stood second in the MLS Western Conference, qualifying for the MLS Playoffs with ease. They then faced Colorado Rapids in two games in the Round of 3 series, winning 5-0 at home and 4-1 away respectively. The side have now qualified for the Western Conference semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Co. won 2-1 against Atlanta United in their first game in the Round of 3 series. However, they lost 2-1 in their second game. Their third fixture will determine whether the Herons will qualify for the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
"I think we’re one of the favorites" - When Lionel Messi weighed Inter Miami's chances of winning the MLS Cup
In an interview with Fabrizio Romano for football platform 433, Lionel Messi spoke about Inter Miami's chances of winning the MLS Cup this season. The legendary Argentine has led the Herons to win the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield since his arrival in the summer of 2023.
“I think we’re one of the favorites [to win the MLS]. But I also think there are tough teams, which will be very difficult opponents. And they’re not going to make it easy for us. But I think the other teams respect us like we respect them," Messi said.
Lionel Messi has been in exceptional form for Inter Miami this season, despite missing eight games due to an ankle injury. The Argentine legend has recorded 22 goals and 13 assists in 24 outings for the Herons across competitions.
If Inter Miami goes on to lift the MLS Cup, it will be their first one since inception. With the 2023 Leagues Cup, Messi also led Miami to their first silverware in history. However, it might not be an easy journey to the MLS final, with Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, and Orlando City FC in the run. LA Galaxy and LAFC are also favorites from the Western Conference.