LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Lionel Messi has reportedly contributed a “contagious” spirit to the team, according to Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino, who also thinks he is now playing under no pressure.
In the Leagues Cup match against Atlanta United, Messi was once more at the pinnacle of his powers, with two goals and an assist in the rout that ended 4-0.
In addition to scoring in his debut, the World Cup champion also scored against Cruz Azul with a stunning last-second free kick, and Martino has praised his impact.
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Martino spoke of how “contagious” Messi’s excellence has been after the game, telling reporters: “The great change that Leo has had, having taken off a great weight that he had on his shoulders, he has done it with the Argentine national team in the last two years and that shows in everything: in his day-to-day life, in his statements, in his way of facing each of the games.
“He is a very free player, and undoubtedly for a player of such calibre, being free involves starting to see much more of these types of performances.”
Inter Miami had lost six straight games and given up 15 goals before Messi joined the team. They have already won two straight games with him.
Messi is scheduled to make his MLS debut as the team’s new captain when Inter Miami takes on Charlotte on 8 August.