Lionel Messi has been on a roll since joining Inter Miami about a month ago. Messi has hit the ground running in the US, scoring in seven consecutive games. The Argentine icon has already won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami and is on the brink of winning another title with his new club. However, Messi’s success at Inter Miami has been marred by the claims of the games being rigged.
Although David Beckham recently responded to the doubters who claimed Inter Miami’s games are rigged. However, Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana is the latest in line to respond to the critics. Campana was twice on the scoresheet against FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinals. In a game where Inter Miami was seconds away from defeat, Campana shed light on how Messi rescued his side.
Q : What did Leo Messi say to the team before extra time in the US Open semi final?
🗣Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami player) :
“Leo Messi said we should have faith and that we were going to win. He was very proud of the work we did on the pitch, never giving up and running to… pic.twitter.com/y6Jl3k9EVi
— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) August 25, 2023
The Ecuadorian star praised Lionel Messi’s leadership qualities and revealed what the Inter Miami skipper said to his teammates during the half-time. Campana said, “He [Messi] told us to have faith. He told us that we were going to win. That after all the work we’d done on the field, that we would never fail. It’s the kind of leader he is — he wants to speak in every game, every training, every championship match.”
Inter Miami, who were trailing 2-0 till the 68th minute, bounced back with Campana’s goal which came from Messi’s pass. In the dying seconds of the match, Messi’s brilliant once again found Campana who scored Miami’s equalizer. Ultimately, Inter Miami had to rely on their goalkeeper Drake Callender’s heroics whose save secured Miami’s victory in the penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi gets challenged ahead of his first MLS game
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been issued a challenge as he gets ready for his first MLS game. Messi’s Inter Miami will be facing the New York Red Bulls in today’s MLS clash. Despite rumors about Messi being rested for the match, the NY Red Bulls are reveling the opportunity to get to play against the 2022 World Cup winner.
As Messi’s highly-anticipated MLS debut draws closer, NY Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman has issued the Argentine skipper a challenge. Hailing from New Jersey, Edelman said, “I’m looking forward to playing against Leo Messi.” The 20-year-old American star further stated that he will show Lionel Messi what a player from New Jersey can do.
🗣️Daniel Edelman (NY Red Bulls midfielder):
“I’m looking forward to playing against Leo Messi. I will show him what a kid from New Jersey can do.”
🧐🧐🧐 pic.twitter.com/SF4AUSSQp7
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) August 26, 2023
In the hopes of getting to watch Lionel Messi in action, ticket prices for the Inter Miami and NY Red Bulls clash have already soared to a whopping $3000. The NY Red Bulls administration wanted to host the match at the MetLife Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000. However, due to The Jets facing The Giants in a pre-season game, the MLS game will be held at the Red Bull arena, which can seat around 25,000 people.