Inter Miami, a membership with lower than a decade of historical past, has skilled each the highs and lows {of professional} soccer. Till mid-2023, they have been one of many weaker sides in MLS, struggling to generate pleasure amongst followers. Nonetheless, every little thing modified with Lionel Messi’s arrival, a yr and a half in the past. Since then, the Herons have reworked into one of many league’s best groups. Now, a participant of the staff has make clear what it’s prefer to share the pitch with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“He’s demanding,” Julian Gressel, Inter Miami midfielder, mentioned of Messi throughout an interview with Main League Journeymen. “We’re speaking about probably the most embellished participant within the historical past of the sport. He’s received in every single place he’s been—not only for one season, however constantly all through his complete profession.”
“With him, it’s unacceptable to tie a sport,” Gressel added. He elaborated: “As a teammate, it’s a must to get accustomed to that.” After which the German participant shared an anecdote from his early days alongside Messi as an instance what it’s prefer to be the Argentine star’s day-to-day companion.
“We tied a sport early within the yr and I keep in mind him being actually actually upset within the locker room. And he’s like ‘we shouldn’t tie’ we are able to’t tie,’ and even Tata (coach Gerardo Martino) was making an attempt to calm him down,” recalled Julian. “He’s aura is that.”
Lionel Messi #10 and Julian Gressel #24 of Inter Miami rejoice after a aim through the match in opposition to the Nashville SC at GEODIS Park on March 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The 2 sides of Messi
Gressel additionally highlighted how Messi’s mentality is mirrored by fellow Inter Miami stars and former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. “You pair that with three different guys round him which have achieved comparable issues, on nationwide and worldwide degree… They’re anticipating right here the identical,” Gressel defined.
Regardless of his relentless aggressive nature, Messi additionally brings a lighter aspect to the locker room. “On the similar time, he’s nice to speak to and joke with,” Gressel shared. “Some coaching periods are fairly unfastened and enjoyable, and he’s partaking. I talked to him a bunch about celebrations for instance, about these Avengers celebrations. You possibly can strategy him with these sort of issues and have amusing with him.”
“You possibly can speak to him about various things… However on the similar time, in terms of the sport and being severe, it’s go time. And in case you’re not doing all of your half, you’re getting it,” Julian Gressel defined.
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What’s subsequent for Messi and Inter Miami?
Following Inter Miami’s elimination from the MLS Japanese Convention Playoffs in opposition to Atlanta United and Messi’s closing appearances of the yr with Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers, the star ahead has no official commitments for the rest of 2024.
Inter Miami will return to coaching on January 10 below a brand new head coach, changing Gerardo Martino. The staff’s early periods will concentrate on health, with plans for preseason friendlies seemingly involving journeys to Asia and South America.
The Herons’ first official match of 2025 is scheduled for the weekend of February 22, when the MLS common season kicks off. Along with league play, Inter Miami will compete within the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the FIFA Membership World Cup, setting the stage for an additional busy yr below Messi’s management.
