Drake Callender has detailed what he’s noticed about playing with Lionel Messi after the Argentine joined Inter Miami last summer.
The former FC Barcelona legend has been a revelation in MLS since joining the Herons in 2023 from PSG, with Messi leading Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory and putting the franchise on the soccer map.
With Messi raising the profile of the club, the likes of Callender have noticed a boom in their reputation following incredible performances on the pitch alongside the 36-year-old.
And speaking to AS, the USA international has revealed that he feels amazing whenever playing with Messi, with Callender becoming one of the stars of the show for Inter Miami in recent months.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper pulled off some clutch moments for Inter Miami in their run to Leagues Cup glory, and Callender has now said he is living a dream with Messi in Florida.
The USA international said: “Playing with Messi is an amazing feeling. I followed him as a boy and never anticipated playing alongside him, so I am very happy and grateful.”
Lionel Messi can take Inter Miami even further in 2024
2024 is shaping up to be one of the best years in MLS history, with Inter Miami adding superstar striker Luis Suarez to their ranks alongside Julian Gressel.
Yet the star of the show will still be Messi, and the Argentine international has what it takes to elevate the Herons to a level no other MLS club has ever achieved in recent years.
If the likes of Callender can stay fit and in top form, there’s a real chance that Inter Miami can make history and become the first MLS franchise to win the North American treble.
Indeed, it will take some effort, but Messi’s greatness coupled with Inter Miami’s other star players could make 2024 a historic year for the Florida franchise.