da cassino： Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have MLS rivals running scared, with LAFC star Giorgio Chiellini saying nobody will want to be “first in the East”.

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Argentine icon starring in the StatesKeeping bid for MLS Cup glory aliveNobody wants to face all-time greatWHAT HAPPENED?

There is still plenty of work to do in order for seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi to earn a shot at MLS Cup glory in 2023. As things stand, Inter Miami have an eight-point gap to bridge in order to reach the post-season.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

They have just nine games in which to move from 14th in the Eastern Conference to at least ninth place, with a 3-1 victory over defending champions LAFC last time out helping to keep them in that hunt. Chiellini does not have to worry about tackling Messi and Co again any time soon, but he feels for those that face the prospect of running into the Argentine icon if he can inspire a surge up the standings.

WHAT THEY SAID

Veteran Italian defender Chiellini said to reporters on Inter Miami’s play-off bid after coming up against Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in California: “It’s not just about the three guys from Barcelona. They built a really good team. This team is the best by far that I have faced in the MLS, to be honest. By far. They are in a situation in which it is not easy to reach the play-offs, but I bet on it. Not bet, really, but I think they will join the play-offs, and I don't want to be in the first in the East. Because you face Miami in the first round, and you arrive first or second, it’s not so good.”

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Cincinnati currently top the MLS Eastern Conference, with a 10-point lead established at the summit, but they have already felt the full force of Messi magic this season after suffering a penalty shootout defeat against Inter Miami in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup.