What is it like to train with Lionel Messi? GOAT ‘five or six steps ahead’ of everyone as Inter Miami youngster Ryan Carmichael explains ‘surreal experience’

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in Florida since completing a move to the United States in the summer of 2023. He has made a stunning impact on and off the field, with standards at Chase Stadium and across MLS being raised. Carmichael, who was acquired by the Herons in the 2024 SuperDraft, is among those fortunate enough to work alongside Messi on a daily basis.

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The 22-year-old Northern Irish winger has told News Letter of that experience: “I have been up a few times with the first-team and have played in a training match, which was a surreal experience. Training with Lionel was certainly a memorable occasion, he doesn’t speak much English but I shook his hand and introduced myself. He is on a completely different level on the pitch as he always seems to be five or six steps ahead.”

Messi helped Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph in his debut campaign and currently has them sat top of the MLS Eastern Conference. Carmichael is hoping to form part of a bid for more major honours at some stage, adding on his future: “I've signed for a year and it depends on my performances in that time frame as the club has the option to extend it for a second year. My aim here is to play games, score goals and try and break into the first-team. Playing with Messi would obviously be a dream come true but I want to simply progress my career.”

Messi is currently sidelined after picking up another minor knock – which has ruled him out of international duty with Argentina – and Inter Miami will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to the New York Red Bulls.