He’s on a permanent quest to win

Lionel Messi has revolutionized Inter Miami since stepping onto the field for the MLS side on July 21. But he hasn’t done it alone. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and other players have contributed plenty, while playing for new manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino.

Martino is no stranger to success in America. He was at the helm of Atlanta United during their expansion season and led the club to their first MLS Cup in his final season in 2018. After a rocky stint with Mexico’s national team, Martino was hired by Inter Miami, in part because of his close relationship with Messi.

The two were on the same side at FC Barcelona for one season, before leading the Argentina national team from 2014-2016. While Martino wouldn’t classify those years as a success, Argentina made two Copa America final appearances and Barcelona won the Supercopa under Martino.

An incredible desire to win

A little under two months since reuniting in Miami, the two can’t stop winning. Since Messi arrived, Miami has played 12 games across all competitions, winning 11 of them (three on penalties) and tying just one time. Among those wins was the Leagues Cup final and a US Open Cup semifinal.

Despite all that success, Martino reveals in a recent interview with The Athletic that Messi was extremely bothered by the one draw.

Leo was visibly frustrated after our scoreless draw against Nashville. I had to tell him, ‘relax, we’re not going to win every game. We can’t allow draws but we have to continue to find ways to grow.’ He was very bitter. It was as if we had lost the game. We’re still trying to find ourselves (as a team), but he’s on a permanent quest to win and it’s very difficult to change that mentality. I would never want to change that mentality either. That’s what makes him better.

Enjoying life in the US

At 36 years old and out of the European spotlight, one would have assumed that Messi would take it easy in the United States. Many have claimed MLS is a “retirement league“, and yet the greatest footballer of all-time has treated every game like a Champions League final.

Playing for someone he respects, like Martino, makes Messi comfortable. And when Messi is comfortable and happy, he thrives. Martino appears to be very content at Miami as well.

Six years ago I confirmed what it was like to work in MLS. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed that project. With the opportunity to come to Miami, yes it’s a different city, and the exposure is greater now with Leo, Busquets, Jordi and the tremendous careers that they’ve had. It’s a league that we like and we like living in the United States. And now the results have come right away. That always helps. We work calmly here. There’s no reason why this moment shouldn’t be one that we enjoy.

Having Messi by his side has helped contribute to those early positive results. Messi is as motivated as ever to succeed, something that has always driven the best athletes. When asked about how Messi has evolved as he’s aged, a la Michael Jordan or LeBron James, Martino had this to say.

All of those athletes have a similar mentality. It’s a mentality that he hasn’t changed since he was 17 years old up to this stage of his sporting career… that’s what these athletes all have in common. The way they compete. The way that they’re always trying to be the best.

It’s that type of competitiveness that has driven Messi to become the most decorated footballer in the history of the sport. The trophies keep coming, and will continue to come, until his body or mind decide it’s time to relax.