USMNT Legend Calls Out Tactics Used Against Lionel Messi

Former United States national team goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that MLS managers aren’t adopting the correct approach to shut down Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi.

Speaking on his podcast Unfiltered Soccer with Tim Howard and Landon Donovan, the 46-year-old, who made 121 appearances for the U.S. national team, shredded MLS bosses for allowing Messi to obliterate MLS defenses at the age of 38.

“Your tactics against Messi (expletive),” Howard said.

“This guy is the oldest guy in the league, and he’s running the show. Here is a concept. When Miami have the ball, you are in a shape, whatever that shape looks like. You keep two banks of four, whatever, that’s normal.

“You put this the right way. When the ball turns over, now your team is in possession of the ball, just eliminate one of your players and go lock onto Messi. We’re now going to possess the ball with ten players because when is Messi most dangerous? Transition, when the ball turns over – when you have the ball, Messi is at his most dangerous.”

Even at 38, Messi Is Still Great