Tata Martino has said Lionel Messi’s mentality is still the same at Inter Miami compared to when the duo were at FC Barcelona.
The Argentine coach spent a year on touchline at the Camp Nou as manager of Barcelona, with Martino and Messi winning the Supercopa de Espana and coming runners-up in the Copa del Rey.
Having also worked together for the Argentina national team, Martino is a manager who knows Messi better than most, with the pair reunited once again last summer at Inter Miami.
Tata Martino says Lionel Messi has one trait he still has from Barcelona days
And speaking to ESPN, Martino revealed that Messi still has the same winning mentality at Inter Miami that the forward had during his time at Barcelona.
With the 36-year-old becoming arguably the greatest of all time during this spell in his career, Messi still retaining his drive to win is something Inter Miami fans will love to hear, especially at this stage in the season.
Martino said on Messi’s winning mentality: “The number ones maintain throughout their entire career the way they compete and the desire to win regardless of where they play. That is a big trait of his.
“I’m not saying that it surprises me because this is the third spell that I have managed him. But today I still see it in the same way as the first time in Barcelona, the desire to go for everything that falls on his path.”
Former Barcelona duo create a dynasty at Inter Miami
Inter Miami got the appointment of Martino nailed on, with the Argentine coach one of the few in the world who has both managed Messi and Barcelona as well as having a proven track record in MLS.
And with the pair now finally working well off each other, there’s a real chance that Inter Miami can create a dynasty with Martino the master of the operation as Messi does the work on the field.
As many as four trophies could be won this season, and with Messi as driven as ever to win silverware, there’s a chance that Inter Miami can win the lot if the Argentine can stay fit.