Edwin Cerrillo explains clash with Lionel Messi in LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami

LA Galaxy's 1-1 draw against Inter Miami on February 25th not only ended in a deadlock but also became viral due to a tense moment involving Lionel Messi and Edwin Cerrillo, a midfielder for the California-based team. The altercation sparked involvement from other players on the field.

Born on October 3, 2000, in Texas, USA, Cerrillo has Latin roots. He made his MLS debut in 2019 with Dallas FC after studying at the University of Maryland. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is just over two million dollars, ranking him 80th among the most valuable footballers in the country.

Reflecting on the incident with Messi, Cerrillo admitted, "At first, I was surprised that he was talking to me, so I didn't understand or remember the first thing he said. He was serious, and at that moment, I knew I needed to remain calm because it was early in the game."

Edwin Cerrillo on Lionel Messi: "He knows what he's doing"

He further remarked, "He knows what he's doing, and maybe he wanted to get into my head. Like with anyone, I wasn't going to stay quiet. And when Suárez and Busquets came to defend him... Well, it's nice, but it's part of football, and at that moment, I had to remain calm."

Regarding the words exchanged with Messi, Cerrillo clarified, "What he said will stay with me; it's something I'll always remember, and I'll keep it to myself."

The conflict began between Cerrillo and Luis Suárez, which escalated quickly. Messi then intervened, attempting to calm the situation, primarily as the captain of Inter Miami.