Club América's Miguel Layún criticizes Messi's move to Inter Miami | OneFootball

Leo Messi's signing with Inter Miami CF has brought worldwide focus to the MLS and Club America figure Miguel Layún does not think it's good for his league.

When one of the most popular players in the sport makes a move to a non-European league, there's bound to be a long throng of critics chiming in. Layún, a 34-year-old former Mexico international right-back currently rotating in the position for Liga MX giants, Club América, sees how Messi's move will hone focus to one of the regional leagues at the detriment of others – specifically Liga MX in Mexico.

"Mexican football won't benefit at all, honestly," Layún said in an interview. "I don’t see how Messi being in MLS could benefit Mexico. I think it's very good for MLS, yes.

"If you were to tell me that Messi was going to come and play at the Azteca Stadium against América or that he's going to go to Mazatlán and fill the stadium and people are going to see him, then I would say it gives exposure to the Mexican league."

His criticism did not end there, adding further discontent with the upcoming Leagues Cup and describing the competition as a "tournament designed more for the United States and MLS than for the Mexican league and Mexican clubs."

Layún, doubling down on his discontent, also said that by comparison, the Conmebol continental competition, Copa Libertadores, was a more important tournament. However, possibly sensing backlash to his own backlash, he did commend the MLS as a family-friendly league that has a lot to offer that other leagues don't.

Layún is in his second stint with América and has surpassed 200 caps across all competitions with the Mexico City-based club.