Following reports that some Inter Miami players are studying Spanish in order to improve their communication skills with the Argentinean, the players are exerting every effort to maintain their excellent standing with Lionel Messi.
Messi, who left Paris Saint-Germain to join the MLS team in the summer, has not looked back. He has 11 goals in 14 games and helped Miami win the Leagues Cup, their first-ever trophy.
It seems that his teammates are eager to pick up a whole new language since they value his input so much.
According to Inter Miami midfielder Edison Azcona, several team members are learning to speak the mother tongue of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
When he comes in, he has occasionally remarked, “Good morning,” but those who speak English but are not fluent in Spanish are studying the language.
In addition, Azcona acknowledged that the group had adopted Lionel Messi’s “rule” from his Barcelona days, which forbade teammates from hurting the 36-year-old during practise.
Everyone is aware that we won’t attempt to harm [Messi], the Dominican Republic international continued. “They are a little more cautious, but one tries to protect.
“We defend him cautiously, and we don’t let him participate in our internal games. Nobody puts a lot of effort into it.”
When Messi was playing at Camp Nou, the Barcelona players likewise made the decision to maintain
One of those who was required to adhere to the training rule was Nice defender Jean-Claire Todibo, who made five appearances for the Spanish team.
Todibo revealed his strategy to the German newspaper Bild, quoting via Marca: “We all knew that he couldn’t get injured.”
“In training, Messi was very tightly defended. Messi taught me a lot, and I even gave him several tackles, although I took care not to damage him.”
Following Messi’s admission that he intends to maintain his physical fitness in order to represent Argentina, it is now Inter Miami’s turn to wrap the World Cup winner in cotton wool.
After Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Peru, he said: “I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC], and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November.”