Video: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami receive rapturous welcome in Boston ahead of MLS clash against New England Revolution

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami received a rapturous welcome in Boston ahead of their MLS clash against the New England Revolution.

The Argentine maestro arrived in the MLS upon the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023. Since then, Messi fever has taken over the MLS, getting a hero's welcome everywhere he travels with the Miami squad.

Scores of fans were present to greet the attacker, chanting his name and holding up shirts with his name. The legendary Argentine simply smiled and waved at his fans in appreciation.

Here is a video showcasing the Messi fanaticism in Boston:

Despite a few injury setbacks, Leo has enjoyed an incredible spell so far at Inter Miami. This season, he has been in top form, bagging nine goals and five assists in nine games across all competitions. Overall, he has 20 goals and 10 assists in 23 games for the Herons.

He also recently talked about his desire to continue playing until he feels right, in an interview with the Big Time podcast. He said:

“I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or am not able to help my team-mates, then I will stop. For my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing.”

Inter Miami currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, with 18 points in 10 games. They are on a four-game unbeaten streak in the league, and will be looking to continue their great form against bottom-of-the-table New England.

"If they are in awe, they shouldn't be here" - New England Revolution coach Caleb Porter makes claim about his players being awestruck by Lionel Messi

New England Revolution coach Caleb Porter made a bold claim about the players in his squad who were too amazed by the prospect of facing Lionel Messi.

He said that he would not hesitate to drop any player who gets carried away by the opportunity to face Messi rather than focus on their personal performance.

Speaking about the game against Inter Miami, he issued a stern warning to his players, saying (via 98.5 Sports Hub):

"The guys are excited. It’s going to be a packed stadium. I think it’s the [second] largest attended soccer match in Boston sports history. So, if you can’t get up for that type of game, if you can’t get excited, and if you can’t perform in that game, you shouldn’t be here."

Talking about Inter Miami's superstars, including Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, he added:

"If they are [in awe], they shouldn’t be here. You could every week be in awe of somebody in our league. We’ve got a lot of big-time players in our league."

Inter Miami take on New England Revolution on April 27 at the Gillette Stadium, with their trio of superstars looking to inspire them to their third straight victory.