“They criticize me too when they watch a game” - Lionel Messi opens up on how his kids give him ‘advice’ on football
Lionel Messi has opened up on how his children Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro give him advice on football. The legendary Argentine playmaker currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, where he has recognizably been one of the best players.
This season, the World Cup winner has played 19 games in the regular season for the Herons, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists. His impressive performances have led them to the MLS Cup Playoffs, where he has already provided one assist in one game.
The success Lionel Messi has enjoyed so far could partly be attributed to his children, who share their insight about the sport with their father. Messi revealed this in an interview with famed journalist Fabrizio Romano for popular football app 433 (via Instagram):
"My kids also give me advice, they criticize me too when they watch a game."
Messi will need some more advice from his kids in the coming days, as Inter Miami face Atlanta United on November 2 and November 9. They already beat the Georgia-based club 2-1 in their first match at the Chase Stadium on October 25. The Herons will need to win either of the next two games in their best-of-three series against Atalanta.
Lionel Messi reveals why he changed his style of play in the MLS
Lionel Messi has opened up on his reason for changing his style of play, following his move to the United States. The legendary playmaker concluded his time in Europe with a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, before joining Inter Miami in the MLS.
During his interview with Fabrizio Romano, the two-time Copa America winner 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."
He also stated that the Herons are eager to win the MLS Cup, adding:
"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."
Indeed, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to win the Leagues Cup - their first-ever trophy - in 2023. He also drove them to the final of the US Open Cup. This season, though, the focus has been on the MLS, and they finished at the top of the table in the regular season, winning Supporters' Shield.