Gareth Bale insisted there was less pressure in the MLS as teams “accept losing” when asked about Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami.
Having spent his entire career in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is set to join Inter Miami in July in a move that will galvanise the reputation of both the MLS and football in the US.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who last year guided Argentina to a first World Cup triumph since 1986, is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract with Miami in a multi-million dollar deal funded in part by adidas and AppleTV.
Indeed, Bale also made the switch from one of Europe’s most famous clubs - Real Madrid - to sign for MLS side LAFC last year.
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In the few months he spent in Los Angeles, Bale helped guide his side to the MLS Cup, scoring a dramatic last minute header in the final as his side beat Philadelphia Union.
But upon Messi signing for Miami, Bale gave a strange endorsement of the MLS - insisting that the Barcelona record scorer would be playing under less pressure than in Spain.
Bale on Messi’s MLS move
When asked about his experience playing in the MLS Bale told BT Sport: “It is a lot more chilled (in MLS). If you lose at Real Madrid, it is like the world has ended.
“You are crucified. You feel down. You go home and you're not happy.
“They accept losing a bit more (in America). There is no consequence. You can't get relegated over there.
“When you lose a game you go on to the next one. They accept losing a lot better over there.
“They know how to lose but they celebrate every win like you have won the championship. He will definitely enjoy it.”
Miami are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, having just fired their manager Phil Neville days before Messi’s move was revealed.
The team has a tally of 15 points from 17 games and sit seven points adrift
Topics: Football, Transfers, Gareth Bale, MLS, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain
Chris Byfield