Lionel Messi's Inter Miami initiation as ex-Spurs star pushed him to perform
Lionel Messi may be one of the most famous people in the world - but his status did not mean he was exempt from having to perform an initiation song upon his arrival at Inter Miami.
After a mixed couple of years with Paris Saint-Germain, the legendary forward has quickly settled into life in Florida following his blockbuster summer move. His connection with his teammates has been obvious in recent months, with the arrival of two fellow Barcelona legends also having helped him to adjust to his new surroundings.
Alongside the appointment of former Blaugrana and Argentina manager Tata Martino as head coach, Camp Nou icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have joined him in the Sunshine State. The extra efforts of club co-owner David Beckham to help his star man bed in have paid dividends on the pitch as well as he scored 11 times in his first 14 games.
Now, details have emerged of how his Vice City teammates first properly got to know the famously shy star by taking him out of his comfort zone. In a revealing interview, midifelder Edison Azcona has revealed how the superstar was made to sing in front of his new colleagues with ex-Tottenham star DeAndre Yedlin pushing him to take part.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi delights fans with unexpected link-up after Inter Miami season ends
Antonio Conte to undergo surgery after Spurs boss became unwell with severe pain
READ MORE: Lionel Messi emotional Barcelona return plans gathering pace with Deco admission
Azcona told Infobae: "He sang at a dinner for us on the first trip he had with the team. DeAndre Yedlin and Victor Ulloa were in charge of encouraging him. They were saying that they had to sing and joking. First, Jordi [Alba] went to sing, Sergio [Busquets] also and Leo [Messi] went last."
This classic icebreaker clearly worked a trick. The chemistry between Messi and his new teammates has been clear ever since his first outings for the club. During their glorious run in the Leagues Cup, the bond between the Vice City players was abundantly clear as they secured silverware for a first time together.
Undoubtedly, the Argentine icon was the star on the road to securing the maiden honour in the history of the fledgling franchise, scoring 10 times in seven games. However, it was clear that the squad had been galvanised by his arrival as they shook off their woes after a torrid start to the campaign under Phil Neville previously.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 19: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami hoist the trophy with his teammates after defeating the Nashville SC to win the Leagues Cup 2023 final match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at GEODIS Park on August 19, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Taking to Instagram, the World Cup winner was effusive in his praise of his teammates after his first half-campaign with the Herons came to a close. Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the MLS playoffs, he said: "I am proud of everything the team accomplished this season.
"With everyone's work and effort, we were able to win the Leagues Cup, achieving the first title in the history of Inter Miami CF, we reached the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and we were even fighting to get into the MLS playoffs practically until the last moment.
"We are left with all the good things and above all with the desire to improve to be even more competitive next year. I would like to thank all the people at the club and the city of Miami for the support they always give us. I am sure that we will continue to live incredible moments together as has happened in recent months."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
