Los Angeles FC striker Olivier Giroud believes the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup is a great opportunity to show how strong Major League Soccer (MLS) has become. The tournament starts this weekend in Florida, with 32 teams taking part.
Three MLS teams will be competing, LAFC, Inter Miami, and the Seattle Sounders. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face Egyptian side Al Ahly in the opening match on Saturday.
Giroud, who joined LAFC last year after playing for AC Milan, told reporters on Thursday that MLS is often underestimated. The 38-year-old former French international said the league doesn’t get the same global attention as some others, but that it deserves more respect.
“We’re proud to represent LAFC, but we know we’re also carrying the MLS name,” Giroud said. “I think this league is better than many people think. Hopefully, a strong performance from us will help show its true level.”
LAFC were added to the Club World Cup at the last minute after Mexican side León were removed. They are now in a group with Chelsea, Brazil’s Flamengo, and Tunisian team ES Tunis.
Giroud said LAFC are the “underdogs” in the group but encouraged his team-mates to take pride in that role. Their first match is against Chelsea, Giroud’s former club, on Monday.
“I hope teams like Chelsea, Flamengo and Tunis come off the pitch respecting us, seeing how committed and talented our players are,” he said. “If we can do that every match, we can be proud of ourselves.”
