Messi’s First Press Conference In Miami, Insights And Conclusions

DRV PNK Stadium – Thor is the god associated with storms in Norse mythology; Thor was also the first Marvel Comics character whom Lionel Messi chose to emulate as a goal-scoring celebration. It only seemed fitting then to have a lightning storm come upon us as we waited outside to see fútbol’s demigod and Inter Miami’s captain in his first press conference for Inter Miami.

Managed to survive a lightning ⚡️ storm to get into the #InterMiamiCF Press Conference for Lionel #Messi …#MLS pic.twitter.com/jBbE2QIlAL

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) August 17, 2023

Once inside, wet but relieved I listened attentively to Lionel Messi and came to some quick conclusions.

The Decision

Messi’s wife Antonela and his three boys played a huge part in Lionel’s decision to join Inter Miami CF. Their input could not be understated and was more important than most realize. After a miserable time in Paris as a player for Paris Saint Germain, Lionel wanted his family to be happy, and their approval of Miami as a destination was a huge win for the organization.

Nothing beats celebrating with the fam. 🥺

What a moment for Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/cWsiYnBXY6

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023

Barcelona was the preferred choice for Lionel, but the dire financial crisis the team was facing made it impossible for him to return. The alternative, Miami, has been better than expected for the family and Messi talked about how the community has made him feel at home,

Since the start my welcome has been impressive, It’s a city with lots of  Latinos … Latinos are closer and more expressive. During all this time they have been showing me love and closeness, and that I believe has been the most important, the most pure, and the most beautiful thing to assimilate and enjoy what I am doing

"El Latino es mucho más cercano, mucho más demostrativo. Durante todo el tiempo te está mostrando cariño, cercanía; y eso creo que es lo más importante, lo más sano y lo más lindo para poder acomodarte y poder disfrutar de lo que uno hace".

Las palabras de Lionel Messi en… pic.twitter.com/AslEJ8gtRX

— MLS Español (@MLSes) August 17, 2023

Focused On Winning

The man that has won it all still wants more. Messi’s accomplished career has seen him win every prestigious award available to him, but Inter Miami and the MLS provide new opportunities and challenges to conquer. For one, Lionel gets a chance to help Inter Miami CF win its first trophy in team history, the Leagues Cup 2023 Saturday night in Nashville.

Throughout his career, Lionel has set goals for himself and he has met them all, now with Inter Miami he has new goals that motivate him,

I want to help the team win trophies, and personally I want to continue winning trophies

Messi did not come to Miami to retire or go on vacation like some insinuated when he announced his decision to join Inter Miami CF. No, he came to continue to do what he has always done, win. He didn’t come to take games off against teams that play on turf surfaces either like many said. Lionel himself stated that he had no issues playing on turf,

It’s true it’s been a long time since I played on turf, but I have no problem adapting once again

"Ahora tengo nuevos objetivos con este club, que vinimos para eso, ¿no?. Para intentar ayudar al club ayudar a conseguir títulos y en lo personal a seguir consiguiendo títulos".

Lionel Messi en conferencia de prensa previa a la final de #LeaguesCup2023. pic.twitter.com/wqowgSz7wn

— MLS Español (@MLSes) August 17, 2023

Humility & Greatness

Arguably the greatest player in the history of fútbol, Lionel Messi has been nothing less than phenomenal for Inter Miami CF since his July 21 debut against Cruz Azul. With nine goals in six games, a six-game winning streak, leadership, and mentoring on and off the pitch, he has done it all.

Lionel comes off as a humble man who values his team’s accomplishments more than the individual ones. He was asked about the possibility of winning his eighth Balon D’ Or, an award that he has won more than anyone else,

The most important for me has been team awards, winning team awards

Inter Miami has the best captain in the world. Not only is Lionel amazing on the pitch but his humility off the pitch makes him a great man. Inter Miami CF and its fanbase are thrilled to have Lionel Messi and his family in town, the demigod of fútbol is taking the organization on a mythical ride.