UNBELIEVABLE Leeds United academy product hooked at half-time in latest demolition by Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami….
In a night to forget, former Leeds United academy graduate Charlie Cresswell found himself at the heart of another defensive nightmare as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami tore apart his side in a ruthless 5-0 demolition. The centre-back, once hailed as a future defensive stalwart at Elland Road, was hooked at half-time after a torrid opening 45 minutes in which Miami, led by the ageless Messi, ran riot.
The match, played in front of a packed DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, quickly turned into a Messi masterclass. The Argentine icon orchestrated play with typical brilliance, scoring once and assisting twice in a whirlwind first half that left the opposition chasing shadows. Unfortunately for Cresswell, much of the chaos unfolded in his defensive zone.
From the outset, it was clear that Inter Miami meant business. Their front three, with Messi pulling strings, exposed weaknesses in the defensive line repeatedly. Cresswell, who joined the MLS club in search of regular playing time and a fresh start after leaving Leeds, looked overwhelmed by the movement and precision of Miami’s attack. He was caught out of position for the opener, misjudged a through ball that led to the second, and was powerless to prevent Messi’s magical third.
By the time the halftime whistle blew, the damage was done—and so was Cresswell’s evening. The coaching staff made a swift change in a bid to stop the bleeding, substituting the young defender in what many saw as a clear statement on his performance. Cameras caught a dejected Cresswell trudging down the tunnel, shaking his head.
For fans of Leeds United, it was a tough sight. Cresswell, a product of the club’s esteemed Thorp Arch academy, had once been touted as the next big thing. A dominant presence at youth level, he broke into the first team during the club’s Premier League spell and earned praise for his physicality and leadership. But a lack of consistent game time, followed by a loan spell and eventual departure, saw him seek opportunities abroad.
Unfortunately, his latest outing has raised serious questions about his development. While it’s harsh to judge any defender facing Lionel Messi on a good day, the manner in which Cresswell was dismantled and removed from play will not help his confidence—or his standing with the coaching staff.
Social media was quick to pounce. Critics highlighted his positional errors and lack of composure under pressure, while some Leeds fans expressed sympathy, lamenting what appears to be a talent still struggling to fulfill its early promise.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, continue to impress. With Messi at the helm and a strong supporting cast, they look every bit the juggernaut MLS hoped they’d become when signing the World Cup winner.
As for Cresswell, redemption will require resilience. Being benched against Messi isn’t career-ending, but the spotlight of such a lopsided loss can be cruel. What he does next could define whether he fades as another “what could have been” or rises from this humbling moment to prove his worth once again.
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