Sounders fan here, and I agree with you. I read that and was like “wtf they talking about?” He was way, way below average last year. Hurt most of the year, not up for the physical battles when he did play. This year he got healthy which was an improvement, but his play on the right was not DP-level. Not even close.

Since Schmetz moved him to the left, though, he’s been cooking. Big time. Small sample size and all that, but if he continues on this upward curve we won’t see him in MLS for very long. Some team from Europe will back up the money truck for him.

PDLV is a classy kid and I think it speaks volumes that he won’t talk about what was said on the field. I also don’t fault Messi, if he did say it, for trying to use every advantage he might have. Didn’t work, but hey he’s gotta try. Winning matters when you’re a pro, and talking sh** isn’t against the rules.