Lionel Messi has acknowledged he reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career.
Arguably the greatest player in football history, Messi joined Miami as a free agent in July 2023. The 37-year-old has been able to defy age by playing at the top.
Messi made an immediate impact on the South Florida team, scoring just minutes into his debut against Cruz Azul in the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament before going on to propel the club to the title.
The former Barcelona star has now revealed how he’s been able to conquer MLS.
“I’ve changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation and my age,” he told Fabrizio Romano for the 433 app. “I am adapting a little bit to everything. I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new. I felt very comfortable from the beginning.”
Having won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record regular-season points total, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner insists, the team’s sights are set on lifting the MLS Cup.
“To build a club you need to win titles,” he said. “The club was coming off a bad year in MLS [in 2023] and a little bit after my arrival we won Leagues Cup, the first trophy for the club.
“It was extraordinary for us, and now we are eager to play these playoffs and hopefully be able to win the MLS Cup. On the personal level and most importantly for the club that has done so much for it to happen.”
Inter Miami are in top form and Messi’s performance plays a huge role. The Argentina international is one of five finalists for the MLS MVP award and led the league in total goal contributions, with 20 goals and 16 assists, despite playing only 19 of 34 games.
