(CNN Spanish) — A few months after he arrived in Miami and lifted the title, Lionel Messi held a press conference in which he was happy, reflecting what he shows on the pitch.
“I’m very happy,” he said, noting that he’s had a good adaptation process and feels grateful for the reception of people in America.
One of the finalists for UEFA’s Footballer of the Year award (along with Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland), the Argentine has hinted at a chance to win the Ballon d’Or again. “After winning the World Cup, I think less about the prize,” Messi said, adding that the prize was good, if not… “I was lucky enough to win everything.”
Lionel Messi came to the US after a record-breaking stint at FC Barcelona, a thankless move, but went on to PSG anyway and win the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar. At Inter Miami, Messi has scored 9 goals in 6 games in the League Cup and will face Nashville in the final.
If they win next Saturday, Inter Miami will reach their first trophy in four seasons in MLS.
“The truth is that I feel very happy, what I said repeatedly before, this is the place I chose to come, my family and I chose it over time, I didn’t choose this place from one day to the next,” Messi said. “It’s a place where I’m happy.”
When asked about the adjustment period to living in the United States, the 36-year-old said they are still trying to “settle in,” but Miami and the people at “the club” have made it “very easy for them.” “.
“To be honest with you, we’re still trying to settle in because we’ve only been here in Miami for a month and a half and we still don’t have a house where we’re going to live,” Messi said. “But it was very easy, very easy, we were convinced that we wanted to come here and the people made it very easy, the people from the club and the people I see every day on the streets and in the city are incredible. It will be very easy and pleasant to live here.
“The school helped us get comfortable and settle into everyday life, so it was a lot easier than I thought because the experience of moving from Barcelona to Paris was very complicated and it was completely different,” he commented. Argentine star.
Messi’s best quotes
“Especially since Tata joined the team, I think the team has grown tremendously.”
“I’m very happy with the decision we’ve made, not just for the game, but for my family.”
“The reception from people, not just in Miami, but in America, has been extraordinary.”
“Kids start school soon, and that gets you used to it.”
“Going from Barcelona to Paris was difficult, in Miami it was completely different.”
“After winning the World Cup, I didn’t think much about that award (Ballon d’Or).”
“You never end up adapting to this climate.”
“I don’t have a problem with artificial grass..I do my downs on artificial grass.”
Messi’s stats at Inter Miami
Games played: 6
Goals: 9
Aids: 1
Yellow Cards: 1
Minutes played: 474
Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami was in a very poor state. In fact, it’s still the worst team this season when it comes to MLS (a league Argentina have never played in) and the League Cup final.
Without Messi, Inter played 22 games this season, 5 losses, 22 goals and a goal difference of -14. On the other hand, in the League Cup, with Messi: 6 games, 5 wins, 21 goals and +14 goal difference.
With the addition of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi took Inter to another level with the good formula he developed with Joseph Martinez and Robert Taylor. Technical director Gerardo “Tada” Martino was able to assemble the team to exploit Messi’s football potential.
Messi is among the shortlists for this week’s European Player of the Year award.
Messi’s range beyond football
Lionel Messi’s arrival in American soccer has had an unprecedented impact on and off the pitch.
Apple TV+ announced that there will be six documentary-style episodes detailing the Argentine star’s arrival to the team.
The series is produced for Apple TV by Smuggle Entertainment, which already announced another series starring the world champion in June and his participation in five World Cups until he wins the title in 2022 in Qatar.
With information from César Lopez and Jacob Lev
