A former Premier League star has launched a scathing rant at Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, warning players against signing for the MLS club.

Messi joined the side in 2023 as he continues to wind down his career after a stellar time with Barcelona and a brief period at Paris Saint-Germain sprinkled in between.

Having also won the World Cup, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joined up with David Beckham‘s franchise, which was founded in 2018, soon after.

But things aren’t rosy, according to a defender who once lined up for Leeds United in the top flight of England.

Mateusz Klich, 35, was with Leeds between 2017 and 2023 and starred under Marcelo Bielsa, playing 82 times in total in the top flight in his 195 Leeds appearances.

After leaving, he featured for the likes of DC United and Atlanta United in America, but took issue with Messi during his time in the country.

A former Premier League star has launched a scathing rant on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami
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A former Premier League star has launched a scathing rant on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

The star said that 'Messi's father essentially runs the club' and that no one should join until the forward departs
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The star said that ‘Messi’s father essentially runs the club’ and that no one should join until the forward departs

Mateusz Klich was with Leeds between 2017 and 2023 and starred under Marcelo Bielsa
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Mateusz Klich was with Leeds between 2017 and 2023 and starred under Marcelo Bielsa

‘I don’t recommend Miami as long as Messi is there,’ Klich said via Foot Truck. ‘It’s a disaster.

‘People are leaving, coaches and physiotherapists are leaving. Organisationally, it’s bad.

‘Messi’s father essentially runs the club. Everyone speaks Spanish, and nothing can be done without their consent. The club itself is also 45 to 50 minutes away from Miami.’

Messi has played 76 times for Inter Miami thus far, scoring 64 goals and picking up a further 31 assists.

He has only played against Klich once in his career – in May 2024. Klich, though, has faced Miami three times in total.

The Poland international has, though, taken issue with Messi, instead recommending a rival side.

‘I would recommend New York,’ he continued. ‘Red Bull has a better stadium now, but City is also building a great stadium.

‘There are clubs like Columbus Crew and Cincinnati that have great stadiums and a great base, but life there is very boring.

‘I would recommend Nashville if you have the opportunity to go to Nashville SC. It’s a beautiful place, the capital of the country. Portland and Seattle have atmosphere, but it’s the end of the world.’