"I am adapting a little bit to everything" - Lionel Messi claims he has reinvented his style of play due to his age
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi recently said he started reinventing his game due to his age upon joining the Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023. The 37-year-old added that he felt comfortable in the new league right from the beginning.
Speaking to 433, Messi said he changed his style of play since he is in the twilight of his career. The Argentine icon said (via ESPN):
"I've changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation, and my age. I am adapting a little bit to everything. I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new. I felt very comfortable from the beginning."
After the MLS Supports' Shield, Messi has set sights on winning the MLS Cup. He added:
"To build a club, you need to win titles. The club was coming off a bad year in MLS [in 2023] and a little bit after my arrival, we won Leagues Cup, the first trophy for the club. It was extraordinary for us, and now we are eager to play these playoffs and hopefully be able to win the MLS Cup. On the personal level and most importantly for the club that has done so much for it to happen."
Lionel Messi has so far scored 20 goals and assisted 10 times in the 19 MLS games this season. He has started the MLS Cup Playoffs well, registering an assist in the 2-1 win over Atalanta United in the first of the three-leg quarterfinal on October 25.
Lionel Messi says Inter Miami have made mistakes in MLS despite topping the league
In the same interview, Lionel Messi claimed that Inter Miami have made 'silly mistakes' this season which they cannot repeat in the playoffs. He believes his club are one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup this season. Messi said:
"We've made a lot of mistakes that we can avoid, because many times they were silly mistakes, to put it nicely. That cannot happen during the playoffs, because the mistakes can cost you and get you eliminated. We have to be stronger than ever, and take advantage of the advantages we have."
"I think we are one of the favorites but there are teams that will be difficult rivals. They won't give us anything, but the other teams respect us the way we respect them," he added.
Inter Miami will face Atlanta United in the second leg on Saturday (November 2). Lionel Messi's side will be hoping to ease to a win and make it to the next round of the cup.