Jamie Carragher has slammed LaLiga as a 'joke league' as he defended his decision to choose MLS star Lionel Messi over Real Madrid's Vinicius Jnr in his EA Sports FC 24 Team of the Year.
The former Liverpool defender debated the inclusion of Messi over Vinicius Jnr with his Sky Sports co-pundit Gary Neville, with the latter electing to choose the Real Madrid star in his XI.
Neville questioned whether Messi played enough matches in 2023 for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami to make his squad.
Carragher though said that the Argentine World Cup winner did enough during his time at the MLS side to warrant an inclusion - while questioning what Vinicius Jnr did in 2023.
Neville told Sky Sports: 'My player, Vinicius, has been sensational for Real Madrid. So I'm not having this continual, emotional draw to a player that's hardly played in a year but we all love him, we think he's an amazing player but we can't pick him for what he's done in 2023.'
Carragher though disagreed saying: 'I would pick him for what he did in the MLS.'
He attempted to talk about the goals and passes that Messi has done with Inter Miami.
Messi in total played 14 games for Inter Miami, leading them to the Leagues Cup while also reaching the final of the US Open Cup.
Neville though highlighted that Messi played just six games in the MLS.
Carragher responded: 'I know but it was unbelievable. What has Vinicius Jr done this season?'
Neville, after checking his phone, told his Sky Sports co-pundit that the Brazilian scored 18 goals and registered 17 assists in 44 matches during the 2023 calendar year.
Carragher though pointed out the goals were for Real Madrid and scored in a 'joke league' - before pointing out 'they didn't even win LaLiga'.
He added: 'For the balance of the team he's a left winger, you've put him on the right wing.'
Neville questioned Carragher whether he thought Real Madrid 'were an easy team to play for' to which the ex-Liverpool defender said 'no' before adding that Messi also won the Ballon d'Or in 2023.
Former Manchester United defender Neville said Messi would have made his team if his World Cup success in 2023, but pointed out that he 'hardly played at Inter Miami' and scored seven goals in 16 games at PSG - who were booted out of the Champions League.
Vinicius Jnr enjoyed an excellent 2022-23 season despite Real Madrid only winning the Copa del Rey.
This season he has scored six goals in 15 appearances - in a campaign where he has struggled with injuries after only just coming back after recovering from a torn thigh muscle.
Manchesterisblue
617
Bro trying hard to get messi trust back after being called a donkey ๐คฃ๐คฃ
MohsinH47
509
Yah. La liga is a Joke but MLS is the best league in the world. where Messi scored 1 goals in 2023 probably. did nothing. . The guy always busy licking messi's asssss but even Messi himself doesn't care him and called him a Donkey. . Ronaldo is right. They just want to be in the media by talking nonsensee.
fizabcdyz
477
Jamie Carragher is one of those who if given the chance will still pick Messi for the 2024 Ballin d' Or, and he's even brave to put mouth on Laliga, the football world Respect Messi for what he has done, but picking up Messi over Vini for the 2023 calendar year is a joke๐๐๐
ishti
392
A league which made him look like a CLOWN as a manager will definitely be a JOKE to him.
yuocdklnsz
263
La liga is a joke, but the league holds the highest number of champions league trophies, and highest number of Ballon d'or. Serious EPL git the least. Stop talking none sense !.
footballloveronly
194
Carragher will never speak good about Madrid or la Liga team because he always got trashed during his playing time ๐๐๐