Jason Kelce insisted that watching Lionel Messi in Inter Miami is not the same as his days in Europe and leading the Argentina national team.
On the latest edition of the New Heights podcast, Jason and brother Travis raved over the NFL scheduling the Eagles-Packers game in Brazil this season. As a result, Jason began raving about soccer and the difference between MLS and other competitions. Jason, who earlier talked about his experience watching the 2016 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, kept his stance after Travis raved about Messi’s recent game in Kansas City.
‘I’ll tell you what though, Messi played in Kansas City this past weekend,’ Travis shared. ‘He played in Arrowhead, actually.’ Jason said: ‘It’s not the same being in the MLS,’ to which Travis replied: ‘Why is it not? Don’t s**t on the MLS, don’t do this, Jason.’ ‘I’m not sh****ng on the MLS,’ Jason continued. ‘I’m saying it’s not international soccer. When you think of soccer, I know there’s all these wonderful clubs overseas, there’s the MLS, I think of the World Cup, that’s all I’m saying. It’s international play and then everything else.’
While his older brother raved about international competitions, the three-time Super Bowl champion insisted ‘it’s all about the Premier League.’ However, after Travis stood his ground on defending Major League Soccer, Jason remained adamant that the level of play in the US is not the same as Messi’s previous competitions. ‘I didn’t say I won’t watch it (MLS),’ Jason insisted. ‘I’m just saying it wasn’t the same level. Seeing Messi play for Miami is not the same as when he played in Barcelona or when he was at the world stage at the World Cup. That’s all I’m saying – it’s not the same.’
After leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in 2023, the Argentine shocked the sporting world by leaving Paris Saint Germain and joining David Beckham’s club in Fort Lauderdale. Upon his entry, Messi led The Herons to their first club title by winning the inaugural Leagues Cup. He also led Inter Miami to the US Open Cup Final within months of arriving. ‘Seeing Michael Jordan on the golf course is not the same as seeing Jordan in a Bulls uniform,’ Jason said, prompting Travis to burst into laughter.
