"Never imagined that I was going to be sharing the field with him" - Inter Miami star on experience of playing alongside Lionel Messi
Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gómez recently opened up about his surreal experience of playing alongside football legend Lionel Messi. The Paraguayan star couldn't contain his excitement as he shared what it means to be on the same field as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. He also described Messi as the best in the world.
Gómez, like many others who have had the privilege of sharing a locker room with Messi, is in awe of the Argentine forward. For the Paraguayan midfielder, playing with him isn't just a career milestone, it's a dream come true.
In an interview with the EFE Agency, Gómez highlighted how incredible it felt to play with Lionel Messi Messi. He admitted that it was something he never thought possible. He also revealed that he has no intention of competing with the Argentine on free kicks, saying (via ESPN):
"Leo can't get over that, he always makes them. I wouldn't even think of competing with him. I never imagined I was going to be sharing the pitch with him, the locker room. It was a joy, seeing him gave me an impressive feeling, a unique player who has won everything, the best in the world."
Interestingly, both Diego Gómez and Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. They both helped the club win their first trophy last season as they defeated Nashville on penalties in the Leagues Cup final.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino says Lionel Messi is available for Argentina return
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has said that talisman Lionel Messi is available to return to the Argentina national team. Since sustaining an ankle injury in the Copa America final against Colombia, Messi hasn’t featured in any match for La Albiceleste. He was left off from the Argentina squad for the September CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to the injury.
However, he returned to action for the Herons on September 14 in their 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union. He could also return to international duty as La Albiceleste will play Venezuela and Bolivia in the World Cup Qualifiers in October.
Manager Lionel Scaloni is yet to announce the official squad for Argentina’s October games. However, the Inter Miami boss confirmed that Messi is available to play for the Argentina national team. He said (via ESPN):
"Leo is going to get better and better as he adds 90 minutes. Obviously, Leo does not need to do differentiated physical work in training, but he needs a rhythm of competition, which gives me the idea that he is going to reach the playoffs very well because in addition to the games with us he has the games with the Argentinian national team.
"So we have high hopes that he will come into the play-offs in very good shape."
At the club level, Lionel Messi will likely feature in Inter Miami's clash against Charlotte FC on Saturday, September 28.