LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig isn't fazed by Inter Miami and Lionel Messi

Riqui Puig and LA Galaxy are enjoying a stellar start to the MLS season. The Spaniard has been instrumental in Greg Vanney's side sitting near the top of the Western Conference with 9 points from five games (two wins and three draws).

One of those draws came in the second game against Inter Miami, in a match that the Californian side came close to winning, only to see Messi rescue the 'Herons' from their first defeat.

Despite this, in a press conference, and response to a question from AS USA, Puig recalled that Galaxy could have taken the victory against one of the favorites, and warned that the Los Angeles side will fight hard this campaign.

"Miami is a bit defensively unbalanced. They've had two signings that make that stabilization even better. But as you said, we gave them a run for their money and we were close to winning the game. There are many matchdays left, and the championship has just begun, but I think Galaxy should be considered a very strong team this season," said Galaxy's No. 10.

LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig isn't fazed by Inter Miami and Lionel Messi

For Puig, it was a special match to reunite on the field with some of his former Barcelona teammates, as Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez donned the Inter Miami colors.

2023 was a tough year for Galaxy after finishing second to last in the Western Conference. Now, the start has been encouraging, and when asked about the team's transformation this season, Puig acknowledged that the circumstances last year were challenging.

"I think football is about moments. We went through tough times last year. The absence of Gastón (Brugman), Martín (Cáceres), and Chicha destabilized the team. For my first year in the MLS, it was really tough," Puig admitted.

Galaxy will face Seattle Sounders next Saturday at the Dignity & Health Sports Park, with the latter currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference.