Former Premier League star labels Inter Miami a 'disaster' and warns players off Messi era

A former Premier League star has launched a scathing attack on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, labeling the MLS club a disaster and warning players not to sign while Messi remains with the side. Mateusz Klich, 35, who spent seven seasons with Leeds United from 2017 to 2023, aired the blunt assessment in an interview published by Foot Truck. He argued that the club’s current setup and leadership complicate life for players, staff and coaches and said he would not advise anyone to join while Messi is still at the club.

Klich, who later plied his trade in Major League Soccer with DC United and Atlanta United, pointed to ongoing turnover and organizational issues behind the scenes. He described a situation in which staff departures have accelerated and collaboration across departments has remained inconsistent. He said Messi’s father essentially runs the club, and that a heavy language and consent dynamic dominates decision-making, with Spanish spoken widely and decisions reportedly needing family-level approval. He also noted the team is located a roughly 45 to 50-minute drive from Miami, a factor he framed as logistical friction for players and staff trying to settle in.

Klich, who faced Inter Miami three times in his MLS tenure and played against Messi once in May 2024, said that given the current climate around the club, players should look elsewhere. He reiterated suggestions that other MLS destinations can offer more stable environments and more compelling long-term prospects. He cited New York as an appealing option, acknowledging that Red Bulls now boast a superior stadium and that New York City FC is also investing in a high-profile venue. He added that clubs such as Columbus Crew and Cincinnati offer solid stadiums and bases, though he cautioned that life in some markets can feel monotonous. He singled out Nashville as a particularly attractive stop for players with the opportunity to join Nashville SC, while noting that Portland and Seattle provide atmosphere, albeit with their own caveats.

Klich’s remarks come as Inter Miami continues to navigate its growth trajectory since Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion, joined the club in 2023 after spells with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Messi has since made 76 appearances for Inter Miami, scoring 64 goals and recording 31 assists, underscoring the enormous on-field impact he has had since arriving. He has also been central to the club’s expansion plans and its profile in MLS and globally. The former Leeds midfielder, who transitioned from English football to MLS in the same era, framed his warning within a broader context of European players weighing an MLS move, particularly those who may be seeking a more stable organizational structure alongside a strong sporting project.

The clash between star power and club administration in Miami has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, with Klich’s critique highlighting the tension that can accompany marquee signings in a league that is still evolving its identity and governance. While Messi’s presence has delivered unprecedented global visibility for Inter Miami, the club has faced criticism from within the sport for management dynamics and logistical challenges associated with its rapid expansion.

The exchange also sheds light on the MLS ecosystem, where players and coaches increasingly weigh not only on-field prospects but also the stability of ownership groups, coaching staff, and infrastructure. As teams like New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, Nashville SC, Columbus Crew, Cincinnati, Portland and Seattle push to elevate their facilities and fan experiences, Klich’s comments underscore the varying realities that exist within the league as it seeks to attract top talents from around the world.

Inter Miami, founded in 2018 and co-owned by prominent figures including David Beckham, has sought to accelerate its growth by bringing in high-profile players and investing in youth development and facilities. Messi’s arrival intensified that ambition, but Klich’s perspective highlights ongoing questions about how such a model can sustain long-term success and cohesion among players, staff and management. Whether the club can address these concerns while continuing to leverage Messi’s presence remains a developing storyline for MLS in the coming seasons.