An American podcast by the name of ‘It is what it is’ recently discussed Lionel Messi‘s sensational Inter Miami debut on their channel. However, they treated the topic with a degree of skepticism, with one member even questioning the event’s legitimacy. The outrageous claim caused plenty of bewilderment among fans online.
The segment in focus was clipped shortly after being uploaded, following which it also went viral. It displays three podcasters discussing Messi’s debut while being thoroughly incorrect about some crucial details. Two of the featured podcasters included the American-Vietnamese duo of Richard and Nicholas Ireland, famously known as ‘The Ireland Boys’.
My ears are bleedingpic.twitter.com/Wv9OJlV0SY
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 1, 2023
As for the clip itself, it begins with one of the Ireland boys asking, “Do you think it’s rigged or nah?” He goes on to speak about the Argentine’s debut, “So Messi. It’s his first game in the MLS. The game it’s tied up. So when it’s tied up it goes to penalty kicks, right?”
Herein lies their first oversight, as the game was actually settled via a free-kick. He continued speaking, “Messi, he comes in and scores the winning penalty kick.”
Could watch this angle of Messi’s free kick on repeat 🥶
(via @LigaBBVAMX)pic.twitter.com/WAzt5xMgbI
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 22, 2023
Surprised by the forward’s clutch gene, his co-podcaster says, “He scored the winning penalty kick in his game?“, all while making his disbelief obvious.
The third member chimes in by saying “That could just be co-incidence though”. The clip only goes on to get more egregious, as a production member states that free-kick, or ‘penalty takers’, are selected on the basis of captaincy.
The final nail in the delusional coffin arrived in the form of some ‘breaking news’ from behind the camera. In this instance, the member boldly said, “Messi is going to be the new captain of the MLS.” Needless to say, this too was shockingly incorrect.
Fans react to misinformed podcast about Lionel Messi’s debut
Fans online did not react kindly to the podcast clip, with many ridiculing the hosts. Some joked that the clip left their ‘ears bleeding‘, while others even stated that it ‘ruined’ their day. Most were simply baffled by the podcaster’s lack of understanding of soccer.
Messi and the game of football is one of the easiest sports for a person to inform themselves on.
More embarrassing for Americans with all the access to information.
They’re so withdrawn from the reality outside America https://t.co/i2QxsbH6OG
— Hammad || Copywriter (@MohWorldent) August 1, 2023
Are Americans really THIS dumb ? 😳 they don’t know the difference between a free kick and a penalty kick in America ?? 😭 https://t.co/OBGc5VoMZU
— Yazatta (@ABila09) August 1, 2023
The backlash might prompt the hosts to learn a bit more about the sport. Lionel Messi’s move to America will certainly help attract more eyeballs to the MLS. As for his Inter Miami debut, there is no possibility of it being rigged, as proved by Messi’s various other clutch goals.