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David Ruiz has admitted that he is living the dream playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Ruiz is a product of the Miami Youth Academy and has been on the club's books for the entirety of his senior career.
Ruiz, a defensive midfielder by trade, made his MLS debut for the Herons in March 2023 under the tutelage of Phil Neville. A couple of months later, the David Beckham co-owned side signed Messi in a headline-grabbing transfer.
Since then, the Argentine legend has guided Miami to Leagues Cup glory and they are currently top of the MLS standings after 25 matches. In a behind-the-scenes interview with the club media last week, Ruiz, 20, gave his verdict on playing alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
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The five-cap Honduras international said (via Intermiami.news):
"No, I didn’t [when asked if he thought he'd get to play with Lionel Messi. I was just trying to break in with the first-team, and it was crazy, everything was going my way and then when Messi came in, it was mind blowing, I really didn’t expect that. I was a little kid watching him play, and now playing with him is a dream."
Messi, who won the Copa America with Argentina last month, is currently sidelined with a ligament injury. Ruiz, meanwhile, has become a regular starter himself, featuring 26 times across competitions this season and assisting two goals.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami eager to sign new midfielder - Reports
David Ruiz could soon have competition in the center of midfield. As per Italian outlet JuveLive.it, Inter Miami are keen to sign Weston McKennie from Juventus.
The report adds that they are willing to pay €14 million for the USA international who has just one year left on his deal. He is a versatile player who can play in central midfield and down the right flank.
The Texas-born midfielder has 11 goals in 56 senior caps for the USMNT but has yet to play in his home country. He has registered 13 goals and 15 assists in 135 appearances for Juve since joining them on an initial loan deal in September 2020.
If McKennie does move to Inter Miami, he will join the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba as one of the club's marquee players.
