“That’s what a player like him does to you” - Leo Afonso shares insight on what Lionel Messi offers and demands at Inter Miami’s training sessions

Inter Miami forward Leo Afonso has opened up about the transformative impact of Lionel Messi at the MLS club, shedding light on the Argentine superstar’s influence both on and off the pitch. Afonso, who is still relishing the surreal experience of sharing the locker room with Messi, spoke about how the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has raised the bar for everyone at the club.

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 in what was a landmark moment for Major League Soccer. His arrival has not only elevated the team's performance but has also reshaped the culture at the club. Afonso, reflecting on this profound shift, admitted that playing alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba was something he never imagined.

In an interview with Nosso Palestra, Afonso said (via GOAL):

“I never dreamed of playing with these sort of players. At most, I thought I would meet them as opponents, but never to be playing in the same team as them. I think the biggest impact they’ve had on the team is that you now have to be perfect, you can’t make any mistakes. Even at their age, they still expect the best from everyone, so they have definitely raised the team’s standards.’’

Leo Afonso is a product of Inter Miami youth system and was recently promoted to the senior team from the reserve team (Inter Miami CF II). Afonso and Messi have played together twice at Inter Miami and have combined for one goal.

‘’He has changed everything’’ – When Inter Miami Chief hailed Lionel Messi’s impact in MLS and compared him with NBA legend

In October, Inter Miami co-president Xavier Asensi waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi’s impact at the club and compared his influence on the team to that of NBA legend Michael Jordan. Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has undoubtedly taken the club to unprecedented heights both on and off the pitch.

The Argentine icon steered the Herons to their first trophy in 2023 by winning the Leagues Cup. The following season, he helped the club with the MLS Supporters' Shield.

Asensi was impressed with how Messi has positively transformed the levels at Miami. He said at the College of Economists of Catalonia (via GOAL):

“For MLS there is a before and after Messi. He has changed everything. People can be from any team, but they go to the field to see Messi. He is the only example comparable to Jordan.’’

Lionel Messi is currently Inter Miami's all-time top scorer as he leads the charts with 34 goals.