In the realm of international football, few voices carry as much weight as that of Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta. The former Barcelona midfielder, who recently announced his retirement from the sport, has offered his insights on the meteoric rise of his former teammate, Lionel Messi, at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Messi’s Comfort and Excitement Key to Success
According to Iniesta, the key to Messi’s remarkable performances lies in his happiness and comfort with Inter Miami’s ambitious project. The 37-year-old Argentine superstar has found an environment that not only excites him but also allows him to express himself on the pitch with ease.
I would say he has found an environment where he feels comfortable, where he feels at ease. He is in a project that excites him, a project with an ambition to grow and he is surrounded by great players.
– Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta believes that Messi’s on-field success is a direct reflection of his happiness off the pitch. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s decision to join Inter Miami has proven to be a perfect fit, allowing him to showcase his unparalleled football skills while enjoying the experience.
Breaking Records and Winning Titles
Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami’s record-breaking season. The club has amassed an unprecedented 74 points in 34 games, surpassing the previous MLS single-season points record set by the New England Revolution in 2021.
Messi’s impact extends beyond just the regular season. He has helped Inter Miami claim the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, win the 2023 Leagues Cup, and reach the final of the 2023 US Open Cup. His hat-trick as a substitute in the 6-2 triumph over the New England Revolution on the final day of the regular season cemented his status as Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer with 33 goals.
Iniesta’s Praise for Messi’s Pure Football
Iniesta, who shared the pitch with Messi for over a decade at Barcelona, winning numerous titles together, including four Champions League crowns, has nothing but admiration for the Argentine maestro. He sees Messi as the embodiment of football in its purest form.
Leo is football in its purest form. What Leo represents as a footballer is football, which is what he does best. He knows how to interpret everything to perfection.
– Andrés Iniesta
The Rise of Lamine Yamal
Iniesta also took the opportunity to discuss Barcelona’s latest teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old forward has been drawing comparisons to Messi, breaking numerous records for both club and country since making his debut for Barcelona at the age of 15 in 2023.
He is a player that makes a difference, he is special. He scores, he sets up goals, he draws the opponents’ attention. He is a unique and special player because of his age and what he has already shown.
– Andrés Iniesta on Lamine Yamal
While acknowledging Yamal’s immense talent, Iniesta emphasizes the importance of nurturing his development and guiding him through the challenges of playing at the elite level for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Yamal played a pivotal role in Spain’s European Championship victory this past summer, further highlighting his potential.
The Debate Over Fixture Congestion
Iniesta also addressed the growing concerns among top players regarding the ever-increasing fixture schedule. With tournaments being added and the number of matches increasing, players face the risk of burnout and injury.
Organisations have to think carefully about the health of the players and combine it with the spectacle. That sometimes is not easy.
– Andrés Iniesta
The Spanish legend called for a consensus between players and football governing bodies to strike a balance between the demands of the sport and the well-being of the athletes. He emphasized that players are not machines and that the constant pressure to perform at the highest level takes a toll not only physically but also mentally.
The Lionel Messi Effect
As Lionel Messi continues to weave his magic on the pitches of MLS, his impact extends far beyond the boundaries of Inter Miami. His presence has elevated the profile of the league, attracting global attention and sparking excitement among fans worldwide.
Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami has not only validated the club’s ambitious project but also serves as a testament to the growing allure of MLS as a destination for top-tier talent. With his happiness and comfort at the forefront, Messi has found the perfect environment to showcase his brilliance and lead Inter Miami to unprecedented success.
As the MLS season progresses and Inter Miami sets its sights on even greater achievements, the football world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Lionel Messi’s illustrious career. With Andrés Iniesta’s insightful observations and the unwavering support of his teammates and fans, Messi’s journey in the United States promises to be a captivating one, filled with records broken, titles won, and the pure joy of the beautiful game.
