"First time Messi passed the ball to me I just froze there" - Inter Miami star recalls first training session with Lionel Messi
Inter Miami forward Leo Afonso recently recalled being starstruck by Lionel Messi during their first training session together. The Argentinean superstar may be in the final phase of his career, but is still one of the biggest names in the world of football.
La Pulga has won a record 46 trophies with club and country in his career and is the most successful football in the history of the game. He has found success in Spain with Barcelona, in France with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and has already won two trophies since joining the Herons.
Lionel Messi also won the FIFA World Cup, the Finalissima, and two Copa America titles with La Albiceleste. As such, it is no wonder that Afonso was a little shaken when meeting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner for the first time.
Speaking to Nosso Palestra, as cited by Inter Miami news, Afonso revealed that he was briefly frozen when La Pulga passed him the ball for the first time in training.
“I remember the first day I watched these guys. It was the first day of pre-season and and the first time Messi passed the ball to me I just froze there, I stopped for about ten seconds. But now it is easy having seen them every day in training,” said Afonso.
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami finish at the top of the Eastern Conference League this season, and won the Supporters' Shield.
Will Lionel Messi sign a new deal with Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of next season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The Argentinean has turned the Herons' fortunes around since arriving at the Chase Stadium in the summer of 2023.
La Pulga moved to the Florida-based club in the summer of 2023 as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He helped Miami win the Leagues Cup in his debut season, which was the first silverware in the club's history.
Messi has scored 34 goals and set up 18 more from 39 games for the Herons to date and is the club's record goalscorer. He was also voted the MLS MVP this season and the club will be keen to tie him down to a new deal. With former teammate Javier Mascherano taking charge at the Chase Stadium, it is quite likely that the 37-year-old will extend his stay with Inter Miami.