How Lionel Messi made his Inter Miami teammates better - ESPN

Lionel Messi transformed Inter Miami from a bottom-table team to one of the greatest in the history of Major League Soccer. Under his helm, the Herons lifted the 2023 inaugural Leagues Cup trophy, 2024 Supporters' Shield and set the new league record for most points recorded in a single MLS season with 74.

He revolutionized football in Fort Lauderdale in just over a year and a half as Inter Miami captain, and his teammates note Messi's contagious desire for greatness and ability to inspire constant improvement through example.

Though Messi will rarely be the one to lead loud halftime speeches or guide the team huddle on the field before the initial whistle, his subtle approach to leadership has made an immense impact among the younger generation at Inter Miami. On and off the field, from the final third or sidelines, the Argentine forward finds a way to elevate Inter Miami.

Goalkeeper Drake Callender revealed that this «Messi Effect» actually began on June 7, 2023, when the Argentina star first announced his intention to join the club in a televised interview with Mundo Deportivo. No one expected or prepared for the news, but the Miami players reacted before any paperwork had even been drafted.

«We were in Alabama, getting ready for our Open Cup game against Birmingham, and heard the announcement that he would officially join us,» Callender said. «We were in our pregame meal, and after that moment, I said, 'Alright guys, we have to go and win because Messi can't join a team that's not competing. We want to be in good shape for when he joins.' That was a big transitional moment for us, organizationally, culturally, locker room-wise. Everything changed.»

Inter Miami went on to beat Birmingham Legion FC 1-0 that afternoon