Lionel Messi wanted to have fun.
“I have already won and achieved everything in the world of soccer. Now I’m just enjoying the moment. »
In a long-awaited press conference, the “Pulga” met the Miami media for the first time since joining MLS on Thursday afternoon. In 20 minutes flat, the Argentinian had time to say a lot of things. But what we mainly remember is his happiness.
“I made the decision to come here to continue having fun playing football,” the Argentinian dropped out of the game, seated on an armchair as one finds more often in a video game room. than in a press conference.
After playing more than 15 seasons with FC Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. In the French capital, things didn’t exactly go as planned for one of the greats. goalscorers in sports history. Supporters have held him responsible for the club’s failures.
Many believed he would opt for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. A return to Barcelona was also a possibility. Here he is finally under the sun of the southern United States. This decision, the best player in the world took it jointly with his wife, Antonela, and his children.
A little over a month later, the clan has no regrets.
“From Barcelona to Paris it was difficult, but from Paris to Miami it was different… I’m happy,” he added, stating what everyone already knew.
The least we can say is that Messi’s arrival in Miami had the desired effect. And maybe more. In summary: the Argentinian is prodigious.
After just three games, he had scored five goals. After six games? Nine goals. He was then responsible for leading Inter Miami, who occupy the very last place in the Eastern Division, until the final of the League Cup, which will take place on Saturday against Nashville SC.
As well say that it works miracles. Or that he is too strong for the league. It depends.
Messi being Messi, he praised his teammates, praising the team’s daily work in training.
“Since this competition started, we started from scratch with a new coach [Tata Martino], new signings [Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba],” he said. We adapted well from the first moments thanks to our teammates who were already there. It was time to change things, competing was a priority. »
Seven times in his career, Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, an award given each year to the best player in the world. When asked if he dreamed of an eighth, he did not go through four paths.
“It’s a great reward, but I never gave much importance to the Ballon d’Or. For me, the collective trophies were much more important. Like the World Cup, which was my greatest achievement. »
“If I win it, great. Otherwise, no problem. I prefer collective success. »
The next collective success could, strangely and against all odds, be the League Cup.
