hen you play in Arrowhead Stadium, it’s good to have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on your side. That is the case for MLS superstar Lionel Messi, whose stellar performance in Kansas City was picked apart by Jason Kelce on the New Heights Show, forcing Travis to come to his defense.

Travis Kelce defends Messi from MLS criticism

The Kelce brothers’ argument began when Jason Kelce questioned the relevance of MLS, asserting that watching Messi play in America “is not the same” as seeing him play for FC Barcelona or the Argentina National Team.

The Chiefs tight end was quick to correct his brother: “Don’t sh-t on MLS!”

Kelce joined his quarterback Mahomes in heaping praise on Inter Miami after its 3-2 win over Sporting KC at the Chiefs’ home stadium on April 13, highlighted by a golazo from the Argentine.

Messi pulls a great goal out of the hat with Inter Miami against Sporting KCMLS

Jason Kelce compares Lionel Messi to Michael Jordan

Older brother Jason doubled down on the hate by comparing Messi to Michael Jordan in a very unflattering way.

“Seeing Michael Jordan on the golf course is not the same as seeing Michael Jordan in a Bulls uniform,” the former Eagles center said, leaning into the played-out MLS retirement league rhetoric.

“Seeing Jason appear at WrestleMania is not the same as seeing Jason in the Super Bowl,” a fan fired back at Kelce in the comments of the clip on Instagram.

Jason Kelce’s comments resonated with some fans, while others saw his thinking as part of the issues holding American soccer back.

Look at it this way: two years ago, imagine if I told you two of the most popular NFL players would be debating an MLS game on their $100 million podcast after Messi played at their sold out football stadium. The debate might be reductive, but look at who is a part of the conversation.