Gerardo Martino, the new coach of Inter Miami competing in Major League Soccer, stated that "Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets will join the team to compete and will not be resting." The 60-year-old coach previously worked with Messi and Busquets at Barcelona during the 2013-2014 season and managed Argentina from 2014 to 2016.
The 36-year-old Messi, a seven-time world best player, a record, joined Inter Miami along with his former teammate Busquets, who played 18 years at Barcelona.
In a press conference, Martino mentioned that "the duo spoke to him about joining Inter Miami for success." He added, "This happens to us personally; sometimes the name of the United States is associated with holidays and relaxation, but that's not the case. We want to compete."
He pointed out that "negotiations began with David Beckham, a partner in the ownership of Inter Miami, before confirming Messi and Busquets' join."
The Argentine coach took over after Phil Neville, a former Manchester United defender, was dismissed following the team's loss in ten matches, managing only five wins, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Martino said, "It's an attractive opportunity. One could say gifts came after that. I believe that the league is consistently developing, evidenced by the group of American players playing professionally in Europe and at good clubs in Europe."
Messi is expected to begin his journey with Inter Miami on July 21.
