Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is widely regarded as a self-effacing soccer star, depending on his on-field performances to speak for him. However, a Major League Soccer (MLS) star has claimed that the Argentine has an unreserved side to him.
So, what did the MLS player reveal about the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s mentality?
Scotland Star Opens Up on Facing Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi
Earlier in May 2024, Inter Miami registered a thumping 6-2 MLS victory over New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium in Florida. Messi proved to be the difference between the two clubs, scoring once and providing a whopping five assists in the contest.
During a recent interview with the Daily Record, former New York Red Bulls winger and San Diego FC ace Lewis Morgan insisted that Messi was seemingly enraged during the 6-2 win.
“Messi’s the best player ever. And he showed it that day. I describe it as he was playing angrily in the second half. And when he’s angry, you don’t want to be on the other side. We were 1-0 up at half time then he just flicked a switch. Before we knew it, it was 6-1 to Miami. Messi scored and got five assists,” the former Inter Miami star recalled (via GOAL).
Morgan continued, “You could just tell that he’s got that nasty side, that mentality to switch whenever he needs to. He’s not afraid to put a foot in or get involved in 50-50s or play the mind games, just to give a bit of verbals back to the opposition and get in some guys’ heads. He was extra motivated that day to really drag his team to victory. He had a 25-minute spell where we were at a loss how to contain him.”
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Messi, who turned 38 earlier in June, relished a sensational 2025 campaign for Inter Miami. He guided the Herons to their maiden MLS Cup glory, winning the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award owing to his 48 goal involvements in 28 league games.
Messi’s Side Close to Signing New Goalkeeper
According to The Athletic (via GOAL), Inter Miami is nearing an agreement to sign Dayne St. Clair, a free agent, in the near future. They are expected to field the Canadian international as a starter as Rocco RÃos Novo’s loan has expired.
St. Clair, who turned 28 earlier in May, cemented himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the MLS in 2025. He helped Minnesota United finish fourth in the MLS Western Conference table with his excellent displays between the sticks.
The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year registered 10 clean sheets in 30 MLS games in 2025.
