“How Do I Level Up Against the Best Player of All Time”

Inter Miami’s preparations for the 2024 season are in full swing. The soccer world is buzzing with excitement to witness David Beckham’s team in action. But it seems this feeling isn’t confined to typical fans; it even extends to rival players, as an LA Galaxy star has candidly expressed that he is ‘excited’ to face Lionel Messi and co. in the MLS season opener.

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Inter Miami is doing the honors of cutting the ribbon for the 2024 MLS campaign, as they will be facing the LA Galaxy as their first opponent on February 26. As the opening fixture comes closer than ever, United States defender Jalen Neal is looking forward to an enthralling opener. As per journalist Favian Renkel, while expressing his thoughts over the first game of the season, Neal said, “It’s going to be a great challenge, that’s what I’m most excited for. To see how do I level up against the best player of all time. Something to see. I’m excited for that challenge for sure.”

It seems Neal is hoping to test his defensive skills against Messi and his other teammates. Notably, the 20-year-old centre-back made a breakthrough in the 2022–23 season, making over 16 appearances in the MLS and even scoring a goal. He also played two games each in the League Cup as well as the US Open Cup. Unfortunately, in the final stages of the campaign, the youngster got sidelined due to abdominal problems, especially pubalgia. Either way, he is bound to make a return in the upcoming season.

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Jalen Neal on playing against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in his season opener:

“It’s going to be a great challenge, that’s what I’m most excited for. To see how do I level up against the best player of all time. Something to see. I’m excited for that challenge for sure.”… pic.twitter.com/B7h3Ua1pz2

— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) January 21, 2024

But prior to the MLS, Inter Miami would need to finish their pre-season with many friendlies lined up. Just hours ago, Tata Martino’s side played against El Salvador, which ended in a stalemate. Speaking of which, the previous match left the majority of the Herons’ dressing room in agony.

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A teammate of Lionel Messi has been ruled out of pre-season tourThe match against El Salvador seemed like an ‘every man for himself’ contest. Sadly, Messi and his teammates endured a series of harsh tackles. The situation escalated when Facundo Farias had to be stretchered off the field during the second half. A video captured the injured midfielder receiving assistance from the medical team to board the team bus. That’s not the end of all.

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Messi’s best friend Luis Suarez was spotted applying ice to his knee following a tough tackle, as both amigos were taken off within the first half. While the reports on others are unclear, it is highly likely that Farias will be sidelined for the upcoming FC Dallas match. Furthermore, his participation in the remaining pre-season fixtures in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Hong Kong is also in doubt. Let’s hope he recovers quickly.

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