Lionel Messi didn’t choose Inter Miami to go on vacation, says new manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino

Inter Miami’s new manager Gerardo Tata Martino has stated that Lionel Messi hasn’t joined the club to go on vacation and he will give his best to the club. Martino has worked with Messi during his stint with Barcelona and also with Argentina national team.

After spending two years at Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi decided to join Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer. In fact, Messi admitted he wanted to stay away from the limelight and he would look to deliver the goods for the club.

“When we spoke with Leo, yesterday I spoke with Sergio, we talked about arriving to have success, to compete and compete well,” Martino said via the New York Post.

“This happens to us even on a personal level, sometimes we associate the United States, Miami, and holidays — this isn’t that. We want to compete.”

In fact, it was reported Martino joined Inter Miami because of having experience of working with Lionel Messi in the past. However, Martino also revealed he decided to join the club before the Argentine confirmed his contract.

“I always found this opportunity attractive,” he said. “… let’s just say that the presents arrived next.”

Meanwhile, Inter Miami is teetering at the bottom in the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer as they have managed only five wins in 18 matches. Ergo, they will have their work cut out to qualify for the playoffs.

Lionel Messi will look to hit the ground running and play a key role in helping his new team in turning the tables.

On the other hand, Messi has also confirmed he won’t take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.