"It makes you want to compete" - When new Inter Miami signing made bold claims about Lionel Messi

Inter Miami's new signing, Fafa Picault, once praised Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. The Haitian attacker has joined the Herons on a free transfer from Vancouver Whitecaps.

Last season, he scored ten goals and assisted eight goals for Vancouver in 40 appearances across all competitions. The 33-year-old has already been a huge admirer of Lionel Messi. Picault once stated that sharing the pitch with the former Barcelona star makes a player want to perform better.

Before joining the Herons, during an interview with the LeBatardShow in 2023, he lavished praise on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. He said:

"It's nuts. It has been an amazing transition for the league. Obviously, on an individual level, you want to enjoy these games. Seeing the type of player he (Messi) is it makes you want to compete. There are a lot of viewers and people watching, which makes you want to show them who you are as a player and show what your team can do."

He added:

"It's been dope, he's an amazing player and seems to be very humble. He's achieved so much so it is great to step on the pitch wth a guy like that."

Fafa Picault has also played for Nashville, Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia in the Major League Soccer (MLS). In 224 matches of American top-tier football, the Haitian attacker has scored 56 goals and provided 26 assists. With Leo Campana's departure from Inter Miami, Picault is expected to play as a backup for Lionel Messi in Javier Mascherano's squad.

La Liga attacker keen to join Inter Miami for Lionel Messi: Reports

Inter Miami are reportedly close to signing Celta Vigo's Tadeo Allende, as per Spanish outlet Diario AS. The Argentine attacker joined Celta Vigo from Godoy Cruz in January 2024 on a four-and-a-half-year contract. Since joining the La Liga side, Allende has made 13 appearances, scoring three goals.

However, per the report above, the 25-year-old attacker is keen to play alongside Lionel Messi and wants to join Inter Miami. Spanish sides Granada, Real Zaragoza, and Italy's Palermo were interested in signing Tadeo Allende.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old turned down all the offers as he aims to share the dressing room with Messi. The Herons initially wanted to sign the Celta Vigo attacker on loan but they are now expected to offer him a permanent deal.