Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has remained a motivating force for Inter Miami despite being sidelined with a knee injury since the Copa America final. Even though he is unable to participate on the field, Messi’s leadership has kept the Miami players confident and focused before every MLS match. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a constant presence in the locker room, offering guidance and sharing his insights since joining the club last season. Messi’s impact was immediate, leading Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup victory.
According to Inter Miami midfielder Matias Rojas, Messi’s influence goes beyond the pitch. Rojas revealed that Messi actively engages with the team before games, particularly with those who speak Spanish, offering advice and paying close attention to the team’s dynamics. “Leo is always there, he watches everything, and he talks to us before games. We’re proud to be sharing these moments with him,” Rojas shared with Goal.
Reflecting on the experience of playing alongside Messi, Rojas expressed his admiration for the football icon, stating, “Sometimes I talk to my family to realize what is happening, but as I always say, I will not get tired of saying that we share the day with the best player in the history of football. There are no words to describe what I feel every day.”
Messi sustained his injury during the Copa America final against Colombia and has since missed several key matches, including the MLS All-Star game and Inter Miami’s defence of the Leagues Cup. Due to his ongoing recovery in Miami, the Argentine FA left Messi out of the squad for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, scheduled for early September.
In addition to Messi, Ángel Di María, who recently retired from international football after winning the Copa America, was also excluded from Argentina’s 28-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers. Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying table with 15 points after six matches.
