Guillermo Hoyos Defends Lionel Messi Amid Recent Criticism
The Inter Miami head coach publicly asked for more protection for Lionel Messi following criticism directed at the Argentine star after the loss against Orlando City.
The recent criticism aimed at Lionel Messi has not gone unnoticed inside Inter Miami. Following the club’s 4-2 victory over Toronto FC, head coach Guillermo Hoyos used his postgame press conference to defend the team’s captain and send a direct message to both the media and supporters.
The Argentine manager expressed frustration over the comments aimed at the World Cup champion after the painful derby defeat against Orlando City, a match in which the Herons blew a 3-0 lead and eventually lost 4-3.
Even though the win against Toronto helped calm the atmosphere around the club, Hoyos made it clear that he believes many of the criticisms directed at Messi have been unfair.
“There Is Only One Messi”
During his remarks, the coach emphasized that players of Lionel Messi’s stature deserve greater protection because of everything they bring to the sport both on and off the field.
“We have to take much better care of him. There is only one Messi. Protect him, because he fills stadiums. Don’t abandon him,” said the Inter Miami manager.
In addition, Guillermo Hoyos explained that while public criticism is part of football, it is also important to appreciate what players of Messi’s caliber contribute to the game and to the overall spectacle.
“People can say whatever they want, there’s no problem with freedom of expression. But these players must be protected because they are the real protagonists,” the Argentine coach added.
The comments once again highlighted the enormous importance of Messi within the Inter Miami project, not only as the team’s leader on the field but also as one of the biggest global faces driving the growth of Major League Soccer.
Messi Continues Making MLS History
Beyond the controversy, Lionel Messi once again responded where he feels most comfortable — on the pitch. Against Toronto FC, the Argentine superstar delivered another outstanding performance, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
With that strike, the World Cup winner reached 59 goals for Inter Miami, while also recording 41 assists in only 64 appearances for the club.
Those incredible numbers allowed Messi to officially become the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions, surpassing the previous record held by Sebastian Giovinco, who needed 95 matches to achieve the milestone.
Next up for Inter Miami will be a road match against FC Cincinnati before returning home to face Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union in a crucial stretch of matches for the club’s season ambitions.
