‘What people should really know about Lionel Messi’ – Inter Miami team-mate Ian Fray lifts the lid on side of MLS superstar that fans don’t see

The Argentina icon arrived in the United States during the summer of 2023 amid much fanfare. He delivered on expectations within a matter of weeks, as Inter Miami claimed a historic Leagues Cup crown. The 2022 World Cup winner has also landed an eighth Ballon d’Or of his remarkable career since deciding to chase the American dream.

Messi has taken his Golden Ball in to show club colleagues and Inter Miami’s academy hopefuls, with Fray telling Fox Sports of the character that supporters do not always see: “That’s what people should really know about Messi, the little things he does like that. Of course, the whole world gets to see the type of player he is and the things he can do with the ball at his feet. But he understands there is a lot more than that, and it is obvious he cares about his team-mates.”

Fray suffered a devastating ACL injury on the day that Messi made his Inter Miami debut, against Cruz Azul, and is determined to work his way back to properly live the dream alongside an all-time great. The 21-year-old added on being a club colleague of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and now Luis Suarez: “I feel fortunate to be part of it, to be here at such an amazing time for the club and for American soccer, and to be able to see and train with and learn from (Messi) and these other great players. But at the same time, I haven’t had the full experience yet. I’ve watched, but I haven’t played alongside him, on the same team, in a proper game. That’s what I have to look forward to. And that’s what drives me now.”

Messi sent a message to Fray after netting a spectacular winner on his Inter Miami bow, despite never gracing the pitch together in competitive action. Fray said of that show of respect and humility: “When he did that and took the time from that amazing moment to think of me, it meant the world. It still does. I was just sitting there thinking, ‘This guy doesn’t need to be doing this,’ but he did it for me. He did it because of who he is. I saw the interview on social media, but I don’t speak Spanish — I’m getting on Google Translate to figure out what he was saying. Then I saw the photo of him and the guys with my jersey, holding it up in the locker room. At that point, I couldn’t cry any more, I was just numb. It had a different kind of effect. I literally wanted to go and get the surgery then and there, so I could get back to soccer and play with Messi.”

Time is on Fray’s side, with Messi tied to a contract through 2025. That deal includes the option for a further 12-month extension, with the South American icon still going strong at 36 years of age and showing no sign of slowing down or wanting to consider a retirement date.