'Unacceptable to tie a game' – Lionel Messi annoyed by draws as demanding mindset of Inter Miami superstar revealed by MLS team-mate

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has not become the most decorated player of all-time by accepting mediocrity, with the Argentina superstar expecting to win every time that he takes to the field. That passion and drive continues to burn bright at 37 years of age.

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Messi was able to help Inter Miami to a historic Supporters’ Shield triumph in 2024, as they posted a new regular season high in the points department, but ultimate MLS Cup glory proved elusive. The South American GOAT was demanding more from himself and those alongside him in Florida, with Gressel explaining the mindset that makes Messi different.

USMNT star Gressel has told the ‘Major League Journeymen’ podcast: “It's demanding [in the locker room with Messi]. You're talking about the player with the most wins in the history of the game. They're coming in and they're expecting the same, and you as a teammate, you kind of have to get accustomed to that and get used to that with Messi, [Luis] Suarez, [Sergio] Busquets and [Jordi] Alba. It's unacceptable to tie a game, as simple as that. We tied a game earlier in the year and I remember him being really, really upset in the locker room, he's like, ‘We shouldn't tie, we can't tie’.”

Gressel added on how Messi and Co get their message across when it comes to pursuing perfection: “When it comes to the game or when it comes to being serious, it's being serious and it's time. If you're not doing your part, you're getting it, like, you're hearing it. You notice they're not content. [Messi has] addressed other guys directly, he's more so quiet, but you have guys like Luis, who's a little bit more emotional. He's more outgoing in a sense, emotionally outgoing like that, so you hear more from him. Messi will certainly come up to you and will talk to you more so rather than be in your face about things. So we definitely kind of see that demand.”

Messi will get another shot at MLS Cup glory in 2025, as he still has 12 months left to run on his contract at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami will also be competing in the Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, offering them multiple shots at major honours.