MLS legend Sacha Kljestan has named one thing that has impressed him most about Lionel Messi at Inter Miami this season.
The Argentine international has started the new MLS season in fine form, with Messi scoring three goals and assisting another three in Inter Miami’s first three matches.
And Saturday’s 5-0 win against Orlando City was arguably Inter Miami’s best win yet in the Messi era of the franchise, with Luis Suarez scoring a brace as the reigning Ballon d’Or holder also bagged two.
Lionel Messi praised for ‘relentless’ work ethic at Inter Miami
Now, speaking to MLS’s official website, league legend Kljestan noted how the former midfielder was impressed with how relentless Messi was in winning games for Inter Miami, despite his age and recent fitness issues.
Indeed, Messi’s drive to win has been a key factor in the attacker becoming as great as he is, and this mentality will push Inter Miami to success this season in MLS and potentially beyond.
Kljestan said about Messi’s drive to win: “Messi got two goals and an assist to bring him to 3g/3a through three games. And how he scored was just breathtaking.
“The first one came with his chest while three Orlando City defenders scrambled on the goal line, then the second was a sublime header at the back post. Yes, we are used to seeing Messi score beautiful goals. But he’s relentless in his pursuit of winning games and he has started the season on fire.”
World-class mentality will lead to MLS success for Herons
Inter Miami’s influx of superstar players over the last nine months has changed the mental dynamic of the entire squad in a big way, with success now on everyone’s mind.
And Messi’s performances this season are already proving that the drive to win could be a huge difference-maker in Inter Miami coming away with silverware or not this season.
Having players in the squad who know what it’s like to win and want to keep that feeling fresh will inspire those to want the same goals, and Messi’s mentality will be key in Inter Miami going for history.