From La Masia to MLS Cup Contenders

Once teammates at Barcelona, Riqui Puig and Lionel Messi shared a memorable connection, notably in a 2019 La Liga match against Alaves where Puig’s pass to Messi resulted in a stunning goal. Fast forward to 2024, and these two are now on opposite sides of the MLS Cup race: Puig with LA Galaxy and Messi with Inter Miami, both chasing North America’s top soccer title.

A Shared Journey and Divergent Paths

The stakes in the MLS Cup are high, particularly for Puig and Messi, two players who took very different paths. Messi made his name with 778 appearances at Barcelona, while Puig, though promising, only played 57 senior games before making the bold move to LA Galaxy in 2022. Puig has since flourished in the MLS, becoming a top playmaker and leading Galaxy’s resurgence as they aim for their first MLS Cup since 2014.

Riqui Puig: From La Masia to MLS Maestro

Initially met with skepticism, Puig’s transfer to LA Galaxy allowed him to escape the crowded midfield at Barcelona and embrace a leadership role in Los Angeles. Since joining, he’s transformed Galaxy’s midfield, tallying 13 goals and 15 assists this season. His technical skills and vision have revitalized Galaxy’s offense, placing them among the league’s strongest teams.

Lionel Messi: A Transformational Force at Inter Miami

Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 brought an unprecedented boost to MLS. In just 19 games this season, he’s scored 20 goals and contributed 16 assists, propelling Miami to the top of the standings and securing their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Alongside former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, Messi has led a powerful Miami attack that’s redefined their gameplay and boosted their championship aspirations.

The MLS Cup Showdown: Will Puig and Galaxy Stop Messi?

Both Puig’s Galaxy and Messi’s Miami have advanced in the playoffs, with each team emerging as a favorite for the MLS Cup final. Should they meet in the title match, it would be a dramatic face-off between a Barcelona protégé and his legendary mentor, each striving for MLS glory.

Galaxy’s Resurgence: A Testimony to Puig’s Impact

Under Puig’s guidance, Galaxy rebounded from a difficult 2023 season, adding key players like Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec to support a possession-heavy, midfield-dominant playstyle. Puig’s league-high 3,240 touches and sharp passing have made him indispensable, leading Galaxy’s balanced squad into serious title contention.

Miami’s Dynamic Duo: Messi and Suarez

For Miami, Messi and Suarez have formed a devastating attacking partnership. Supported by a solid defensive line and strong goalkeeping, Miami’s versatile and high-pressure playstyle has made them a dominant force in MLS, positioning them as one of the league’s top contenders.

A Clash of Styles in the MLS Cup Final

If Galaxy and Miami face off in the MLS Cup, it would showcase contrasting styles: Galaxy’s controlled, possession-focused game versus Miami’s intense, attack-oriented approach. For Puig, winning the MLS Cup would validate his decision to come to MLS, while for Messi, it would cap off a legendary career with a new accolade.

Will Puig’s Gamble Pay Off, or Will Messi’s Legacy Grow?

The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs promise an electrifying finale. As Puig and Messi each aim for victory, fans eagerly anticipate this potential showdown between two former Barcelona teammates turned rivals. Whether Puig’s Galaxy prevails or Messi’s Miami lifts the cup, it’s a thrilling chapter in both players’ careers and in MLS history.