Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Postgame Show: Ain't No Changin' It with Za'Darius Smith
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Overview

In the July 8, 2025 episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into the latest developments in the soccer world, with a particular focus on the Club World Cup upsets, domestic soccer dynamics, and the future of superstar Leo Messi at Inter Miami. The conversation offers insightful analysis, engaging discussions, and expert opinions, making it a must-listen for soccer enthusiasts and general sports fans alike.

Club World Cup Upsets and Highlights

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the unexpected outcomes in the Club World Cup.

Sports Analyst 1 highlights, "Precious little conversation about the club World cup we had an amazing upset with Al Hilal upsetting Manchester City" (00:28). He further praises the impressive performances of Brazilian clubs, noting one semifinal where Fluminense faces Chelsea and another featuring Real Madrid vs. PSG. This section underscores the unpredictability and competitive spirit of international club tournaments.

Domestic Soccer and the Gold Cup

Transitioning to domestic soccer, the hosts examine the current state of the Gold Cup and its implications for the U.S. national team.

Sports Analyst 1 comments on the U.S. team's performance: "There are signs of encouragement against a much better Mexican team. Remember, not the A plus side or best available side that the United States could have sent out there" (00:28). This observation suggests that despite not fielding their strongest lineup, the U.S. team shows promise under coach Pochettino's vision.

The discussion touches upon the potential growth and future strategies for the U.S. national team, emphasizing the foundational work being laid for upcoming international competitions.

Leo Messi's Impact and Future with Inter Miami

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Leo Messi's current status and future prospects at Inter Miami.

Sports Analyst 1 asserts, "Leo Messi is by far the biggest superstar we've ever had play locally" (00:28), emphasizing Messi's unparalleled influence on the local soccer scene. Highlighting Messi's recent performance, he notes, "He had arguably his most impressive goal as a member of Inter Miami. There have been the long distance free kick. Goals have been a thing of beauty, but in terms of actual skill, dribbling through traffic the way that he did against Montreal was unbelievable" (00:28).

As Messi approaches the end of his current contract in December, the analysts ponder his next move. Sports Analyst 1 poses critical questions about whether Messi will:

• Renegotiate and stay with Inter Miami to help inaugurate the new stadium.
• Move to a European club to maintain his form ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
• Consider other lucrative offers, such as from Saudi clubs, despite previous rejections.

Ownership Stakes and Stadium Inauguration

The conversation delves into the intricate details surrounding Messi's potential decisions.

Sports Analyst 2 provides clarity: "He has a vested interest to stay. To stay through the first season of the new stadium. He's got an ownership stake in this whole thing. MLS has a stake in him. They want him to stay" (02:40). This statement underscores the mutual benefits for both Messi and Inter Miami in maintaining their partnership, especially with the new stadium's opening in view.

The analysts discuss the likelihood of Messi re-signing for another season to "christen" the new stadium, suggesting a strong inclination for him to remain with the club at least in the short term.

Potential Moves and World Cup Preparations

As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts to Messi's preparations for the World Cup and how his club commitments might align with his international duties.

Sports Analyst 1 speculates, "Does he take the opportunity to say let me have the best of both worlds or does he leave entirely?" (00:28), pondering whether Messi seeks to balance his club responsibilities with his role in the Argentine national team.

Sports Analyst 2 counters, "I don't think he leaves entirely. He has a vested interest to stay. To stay through the first season of the new stadium. He's got an ownership stake in this whole thing" (02:40), reinforcing the idea that a complete departure is unlikely.

The discussion also touches on Messi's physical demands, "A lot of miles on that body. A lot of cup competitions, a lot of heat. He's been playing in here. The MLS season, they got a league's cup coming up. Brutal congestion with those fixtures. Maybe he just wants to take time off" (05:02), highlighting the challenges of maintaining peak performance levels.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the discussion, the analysts weigh in on the broader implications of Messi's decisions.

Sports Analyst 1 concludes, "He doesn't have the monkey on his back the way that it was before, but it will be in all likelihood his final World Cup. I can't imagine not being his final one. They are reigning champions. It's a World cup that is in the Americas. If you've seen from this club World Cup, especially with how the Brazilian sides have competed in there, it's advantageous to a team from South America" (05:39). This sentiment underscores the significance of the upcoming World Cup for Messi and Argentina, potentially influencing his club choices.

Sports Analyst 2 adds, "I think there's a strong bet that he's going to play one more season and christen that new stadium in his vested interest. And I also wonder if the world, the World cup is as much a priority as it was last time when he, when he won. He's won that now, so I don't know that that's his priority in the way that it used to be" (05:02). This perspective suggests that while the World Cup remains important, Messi's priorities may have evolved with his illustrious career.

Notable Quotes

• "Leo Messi is by far the biggest superstar we've ever had play locally." — Sports Analyst 1 (00:28)
• "He has a vested interest to stay... He wants him to stay." — Sports Analyst 2 (02:40)
• "His brilliance on this second goal. It's astounding." — Sports Analyst 2 (03:15)
• "He doesn't have the monkey on his back the way that it was before, but it will be in all likelihood his final World Cup." — Sports Analyst 1 (05:39)
• "I don't think he leaves entirely." — Sports Analyst 2 (02:40)

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive examination of the current state of international and domestic soccer, with a spotlight on the enigmatic Leo Messi. Through expert analysis and engaging dialogue, listeners gain valuable insights into Messi's potential career trajectory, the strategic considerations of Inter Miami, and the broader implications for the soccer world as the next World Cup approaches.

For those seeking an in-depth understanding of these topics without listening to the full episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the discussion, complete with key quotes and timestamps for reference.