They say you should work hard until your idols become your rivals, and for Wilfried Zaha, that moment has finally arrived. The 32-year-old winger, now plying his trade in the MLS with Charlotte FC, is gearing up for a clash that would’ve felt like a dream not too long ago: going head-to-head against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
But this isn’t just another game on the schedule Zaha has made sure of that. Ahead of kickoff, he sent out a fiery message to the Argentine legend, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
While speaking to the media head of the game Zaha shared his thoughts on facing Messi. He said, “We know what we want. So I feel like I’m just fixated on what we do on the day. As much as I appreciate Messi - He’s the GOAT, do you get what I mean? It’s Ronaldo and Messi. As soon as I’m playing against you I couldn’t care less about all of that stuff. I know what we want to do, and we’re trying to get the ninth win so that’s all I’m fixated on."
MLS action is back after the international break, and Saturday night brings a blockbuster clash in Fort Lauderdale as Inter Miami hosts Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium. Miami may have the big names, but it’s Charlotte who arrives as the form side, riding an incredible eight-game winning streak—the second-longest run in league history since the shootout days.
For Charlotte, a playoff spot is within reach, while Miami need points fast with just nine matches left in their push for the postseason. Messi and Co. are also still stinging from that gutting Leagues Cup final loss in Seattle, and bouncing back won’t be easy. With their defense shaky and no Suárez leading the line, Miami could be in trouble if Charlotte bring their A-game again.
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