"I just wanted to get started" - Lionel Messi recalls his Inter Miami debut in new documentary
Lionel Messi has spoken about his Inter Miami debut in a new documentary that has been released. The Argentine revealed that he was itching to start for the MLS side and that he wanted to play with Sergio Busquets again.
Speaking on the documentary, Messi stated that he was already training with his new teammates before he got to make his debut. He added that he was waiting to get on the pitch for the MLS side and said:
"I couldn't wait to make my debut. I'd already been in Miami for a few days training with my new club and teammates. I wanted to play and be back out there with Busquets after a few years apart, so that was brilliant, and I just wanted to get started."
Lionel Messi scored on his debut to help Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul. His freekick in the injury time on his debut, with a stunning freekick from outside the box.
Why did Lionel Messi join Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi was looking to join Barcelona when his PSG contract was expiring. However, he opted to join Inter Miami instead despite interest from the Catalan side.
He spoke about it in an interview with SPORT and stated that he did not want the club to sell players or lower their wages to accommodate him. He said:
"I heard that Barcelona had to sell players or lower player salaries and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that. Although I heard that it was said that La Liga had accepted everything and that everything was fine for me to return, there were still many other things that had to happen."
"I really wanted to return, I was very excited to be able to return, but, on the other hand, after having experienced what I experienced when I left, I didn't want to be in the same situation again. I didn't want to leave my future in someone else's hands."
He added:
"After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was time to go to the United States to live football in a different way and enjoy more day to day. Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to want to win and to always do things well. But more calmly."
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in his first few matches for the MLS club. He has now played a key role in helping them reach the top of the Eastern Conference with 53 points from 25 matches.