The arrival of star player Lionel Messi with Inter Miami CF has had a positive impact within the United States national soccer team.
USA coach Greg Berhalter said on Wednesday that he is “stunned” by the impact Lionel Messi has had since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) last July.
Argentina has attracted sell-out crowds to every game he has played while in uniform. The 36-year-old also convinced his former FC Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to continue their careers in Miami.
“I was struck by the impact Lionel Messi had, not only him but also Busquets and Alba, and how it affected the pitch. It’s really interesting to see,” said Berhalter, whose statements were picked up by the daily “USA Today”.
Berhalter has also praised the Florida Formation’s group of owners, which includes the legendary David Beckham.
“The first thing we want to do is thank the owners of Inter Miami CF, the brothers Mas and David Beckham, for what they have done for MLS. You have an idea of what it could be, what MLS is, and then you completely break the mold by taking someone like Messi and taking it to a different level,” the US men’s training chief Said.
The Gerardo Martino-led side are unbeaten in nine matches since Messi joined the squad. The icing on the cake was when Miami defeated Nashville SC on penalties on August 19 to win the League Cup.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been sensational in attack, scoring 11 goals in nine games for his new side.