Federico Redondo has detailed the influence Lionel Messi had in the Argentine midfielder joining Inter Miami last month.
The 21-year-old prospect made the surprise move to Florida this winter despite Redondo reportedly being wanted by the likes of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With some of the biggest clubs in soccer keeping tabs on Redondo, the midfielder shocked everyone by signing for Inter Miami, with the Herons paying a reported $8m to sign the Argentine youth international.
Federico Redondo reveals Lionel Messi influence behind Inter Miami move
And speaking to Goal, Redondo has revealed that Messi played a part in his final decision to join Inter Miami, with the midfielder clearly a massive fan of his fellow countryman.
Few players in soccer ever get the chance to play with a talent as legendary as Messi, and Redondo’s decision to sign for Inter Miami was seemingly aided by the prospect of teaming up with the 36-year-old.
Redondo said when asked why he chose to join Inter Miami: “It’s a team full of stars and a very ambitious club that is looking to win titles and compete at the top, which caught my attention.
“Obviously, Messi being at this club played a big part in my decision. He is the best player in history and to be able to share the pitch with him is a dream. In terms of my position, [I will play] where they need me.”
Lionel Messi can turn MLS into a major landing spot for superstar players
MLS has often danced along the edge of becoming a major player in soccer despite having an incredible track record of signing some of the biggest names in the sport.
Yet Messi is on another planet to what has come before in the league, and the Argentine alone could be enough to transform MLS into a league where superstars not only join but thrive.
Indeed, the addition of Redondo is just one example of Messi’s influence in MLS and Inter Miami, and more players could soon join the league based off the chance of playing against the Argentinef forward.