Lionel Messi is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation after recently winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami, marking his first major trophy since joining the North American league.
As he rests in the offseason leading up to a year that could see him compete in the World Cup, Messi has also been participating in global events and interviews.
Lionel Messi Was Very Close To Joining River Plate
In a lengthy interview with “LUZU TV,” Messi detailed earlier points in his career before he joined Barcelona. He explained that before signing with Barcelona, there was a possibility he could have joined River Plate in Argentine soccer.
Messi explained he had a trial period at River Plate before he and his family chose Barcelona, noting that this moment marked a significant turning point. The deal with River Plate was progressing, but Newell’s Old Boys, his club at the time, refused to release him, which ultimately ended River’s prospects.
“River told me they wanted me, that they would take care of my treatment and everything, that I’d stay in the club residence. The only thing they told us was that they couldn’t do anything about my transfer card. I had to go to Newell’s and get it to be able to join them.”, said Messi.
“When we went to ask Newell’s for the transfer card, they didn’t give it to us. It was very difficult. That’s where everything with River was cut off, and then Barcelona appeared, something none of us had planned. I was 11 or 12 at that time. No team had ever paid a transfer fee for me before. It would have been very strange for any club to buy an 11-year-old kid’s rights.”
Inter Miami Lives Its Historic Peak Thanks to Messi
Initially, after joining Inter Miami, Messi struggled to adapt to MLS. However, over time, his form improved, and in the current season, his performances in the league have marked his technical and physical peak since leaving PSG.
Under Argentine coach Javier Mascherano, with Inter Miami organizing itself in a fluid 4-3-3, the striker plays mostly as a false nine. He has the freedom to float between the lines. He often starts from the right or center, but his main role is not fixed. He looks for areas of influence where he can receive, dribble, and create numerical superiority.
Due to his style of play and role, Messi frequently alternates between attacking midfield and forward positions, attracting markers and creating space for his teammates.
This tactical flexibility allowed him to seek the ball deeper or advance into the attack. Messi’s historic 2025 season for Inter Miami included 29 goals and 19 assists over 28 games, earning him the MLS MVP award for breaking league records in direct goal involvement with fewer appearances.
