Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has snubbed Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and named Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as the player with the best stats at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
Wenger also insisted that Messi is the most influential player in the Major League Soccer, MSL, because without him, Inter Miami would never qualify for the Club World Cup.
The Frenchman spoke ahead of Inter Miami’s Club World Round of 16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday evening.
Wenger told journalist Jose Armando, “He [Messi] does not have the best numbers [in the Club World Cup], but he is the player with the greatest influence in the MLS.
“Without him, Inter Miami would never qualify. There is a significant difference.”
He added, “Michael Olise has the best stats in the tournament and excellent matches, but Bayern would qualify without him. Inter Miami doesn’t qualify without Messi.”
Olise has scored three goals and provided two assists in three outings in the Club World Cup so far.
Messi, on the other hand, has scored only once in three games.
