Before last year’s unexpected matchup between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas was electrified by the prospect of facing his heroes: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. This wasn’t merely a nostalgic encounter; with the 2025 League Cup title on the line, Vargas aimed to outperform these legends and secure victory for his team. However, his strong on-field performance inadvertently drew the ire of his childhood idols clad in pink.
Vargas shared with ESPN, “It wasn’t my intention to provoke them or make them angry. But with how the game unfolded and my performance, maybe they felt provoked. For me, the main objective was my team’s victory—lessons I learned from Messi, Busquets, Suarez, and Alba.”
Since Messi’s entry into Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023, followed by other high-profile signings, many veteran players have found themselves in an unusual position: from idolizing their football heroes to competing against them on the pitch.
Rising Tensions on the Field
Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Vargas admired the style of play exhibited by Busquets as a defensive midfielder. However, as his own gameplay evolved to become more attacking, he began looking to Messi and Suarez for inspiration. Despite his longstanding admiration, Vargas understood that during the heat of competition, his sporting icons were just opponents like everyone else.
As the Sounders took the lead on their way to victory, the tension escalated, drawing media attention to an intriguing interaction between Vargas and Messi. In a moment that baffled viewers, the two appeared to be arguing before Vargas quickly wrapped his arm around Messi and shared a laugh.
Reflecting on the exchange, Vargas noted, “If it had been anyone else, I probably would have been overwhelmed, but I laughed because it was Messi. In my mind, I was thinking, ‘You’re Messi, the best in the history of the world. Are you annoyed with me?’ It made me chuckle, and I tried not to get overly excited during a moment where I was simply focused on my responsibilities.”
From Reserves to New Heights
This past year, Vargas transitioned to Atletico Madrid after beginning his journey with the Sounders’ reserve team, Tacoma Defiance, before debuting with the Sounders in 2021 and achieving two trophies in five seasons. His respect for his opponents is echoed by teammate Pedro de la Vega, who actively embraced the opportunity to play against Messi. Hailing from Olavarria, Argentina, de la Vega recognized Messi as a source of joy for his country and noted the excitement surrounding the League Cup final.
Although de la Vega didn’t score during the final, his aggressive offensive strategy led to further intense exchanges on the field. He acknowledged the added pressure he felt while facing his idols, saying, “For me, Messi and Rodrigo de Paul are the best players in the world; they are my idols. There’s naturally extra pressure playing against them, but I aimed to stay focused and perform my best.”
Challenging the Giants
Brandon Vazquez, a former Monterrey forward who now plays for Austin FC, also experienced nerves leading up to a match against Inter Miami. Having grown up watching Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba during their Barcelona tenure, the moment was surreal for him. “When I saw Messi with the ball or making a through ball to Suarez, it felt like an out-of-body experience, like I was watching them play FIFA,” he recounted.
Vazquez contributed to Monterrey’s victory over Inter Miami in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals, scoring in the second leg to eliminate Miami from the tournament. However, frustration boiled over in that match, leading to several yellow cards and a red card for Alba.
Fan Interactions Post-Match
When MLS players compete against icons like Messi, they often find themselves in the spotlight as fans critique their interactions. Many players face scrutiny for appearing to pander to Messi and Suarez. After Seattle’s 4-0 defeat to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference semifinals, FCC defender Teenage Hadebe was notably excited to swap jerseys with Messi, despite being part of the losing side.
In another example, New York City FC’s Maxi Morales eagerly prepared for how to approach Messi for a jersey exchange, ultimately securing the coveted item well before his team’s late equalizer in a dramatic 1-1 match. However, fan reactions turned when Morales and Messi engaged in a heated exchange during the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals, sparking speculation about the nature of their conversation.
Lessons Learned from Competition
For players experiencing the thrill of competing against their idols, these matchups represent more than just memories; they provide vital opportunities for growth. When asked about the lessons learned from playing against Inter Miami, both Vargas and Vazquez echoed similar sentiments. Vargas emphasized the determination exhibited by professional players, stating, “These stars genuinely care about winning. It’s a mentality that resonates with me, as it highlights the importance of striving for success and not becoming complacent. Winning the League Cup or MLS Cup may not significantly enhance their legacies, but their commitment to the game is inspiring.”
