Reigning MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield champions LAFC took on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on Sunday night, losing 3-1 in a thrilling contest at BMO Stadium.

Messi has made everything look easy so far with Miami, but faces a huge challenge in trying to drag the Herons up the Eastern Conference standings and into a playoff spot. Miami and Messi have been very good of late however, and were able to close the gap to ninth place D.C. United back to eight points with an impressive win over LAFC.

While Messi, surprisingly, didn't score, Inter Miami were able to run out 3-1 victors thanks to goals from Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campagna.

Speaking about facing off against Messi once again, Italian football legend, and current LAFC defender, Giorgio Chiellini compared the forward to LeBron James and Michael Jordan, saying:

"He [Messi] was and he is so really different from other players," said Chiellini. "It's like LeBron [James] or [Michael] Jordan. They are different from the other ones.

"He's an extraterrestrial. He's not like a normal guy."

Speaking after the defeat, Chiellini admitted that the current Inter Miami team, despite their position in the MLS standings, are the best he's faced in North America: "This team [Miami] is the best, by far, that I've faced in MLS to be honest."

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This article was originally published on 90min as Giorgio Chiellini hails 'extraterrestrial' Lionel Messi.