The National Times - Club World Cup a chance for MLS to shine: Giroud

LAFC are one of three MLS sides entered in the 32-team tournament which begins in Florida on Saturday when Lionel Messi and Inter Miami face off against Egyptian club Al-Ahly.

The Seattle Sounders are the other MLS team in the tournament.

Former France international Giroud, who joined LAFC last year after three seasons with AC Milan, told reporters on Thursday he believed MLS was "underrated" by the rest of the world.

"We're honored to represent this amazing club, but we also know that we're representing MLS," Giroud said.

"I think Seattle and Miami also know that responsibility. I think that this league is underrated, and I think a lot of it is just because it doesn't necessarily have the same exposure globally," the 38-year-old said.

"Hopefully a good run from us will show the level of this league."

LAFC only forced their way into the Club World Cup via a hastily arranged playoff last month following the 11th hour expulsion of Mexican side Leon.

The MLS side are grouped with Premier League giants Chelsea, Brazil's Flamengo and Tunisian side ES Tunis.

Giroud said LAFC will kick off the tournament against his former club Chelsea on Monday as "underdogs", but urged his team-mates to embrace the label.

"It is something that we can embrace, and I hope Chelsea and Flamengo and Tunis and all these teams, I hope they walk off the field with a great level of respect as to the quality of our players and the intensity and the commitment of our players," Giroud said.

"If we walk off the pitch after every game like that, we will be proud."

L.Johnson--TNT