Inter Miami defender Nicolas Freire had detailed his first experience meeting Lionel Messi, with the center-back revealing he felt stupid about the encounter.
The Pumas star joined the Herons this winter on loan for the season, with Freire tasked with the difficult job of shoring up Inter Miami’s defense and ensuring Tata Martino’s side are watertight at the back.
And the Argentine defender has impressed when given the chance, with Freire expected to start for Inter Miami later this week against Real Salt Lake in the MLS 2024 season opener.
Yet speaking to Deporte Total USA, the 30-year-old was asked about his first encounter with Messi at Inter Miami, with Freire seemingly nervous about meeting the Argentine legend in the flesh.
Freire said when asked how his first meeting with Messi went: “At first, I felt stupid. I turned around and he was there, I didn’t know what to say.
“I’m trying to remain calm and to remind myself that he is my teammate, and that I need to remember I am just one more player in the squad. They signed me for a reason, and I need to prove it.”
Nicolas Freire could become one of Lionel Messi’s favorite Inter Miami players
One big thing Inter Miami have to improve on from last season is their defense, with the Herons one of the leakiest teams in all of MLS last season.
Which is why Freire could become one of Messi’s favorite players in this squad if the Argentine defender can live up to expectations and improve Inter Miami’s backline.
Indeed, the Pumas-owned titan comes to MLS with a big reputation from Mexico as well as from Europe, where Freire impressed with Greek side Olympiakos last year.
And for Inter Miami fans and Messi, Freire can become a cult hero if he can improve the backline for the Florida franchise, which is in need of some working.