From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi! Inter Miami new boy Marcelo Weigandt answers calls from two iconic Argentines after sealing MLS transfer

The Argentine defender has arrived in Florida after securing a loan switch from Boca Juniors. He is looking forward to playing with Messi, once his iconic fellow countryman has recovered from injury, with time having already been spent with 1986 World Cup winner Maradona during a spell at Gimnasia.

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Weigandt has told the Miami Herald of linking up with two all-time greats: “Maradona had called me, I didn’t hesitate, and this was a similar situation. When my agent informed me that Inter Miami wanted me, I didn’t think twice. I wanted to share a roster with these great stars. I can learn so much from them. From the beginning, the chance to play with Leo influenced my decision. It’s a dream to be his team-mate. I’m very happy. I will do my part to help the team reach its goals.”

Weigandt made his Inter Miami debut against New York City FC and is looking forward to taking more important lessons from the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. The 24-year-old added: “They are players with high pedigree, who have lived through so much, won so many titles, and they helped me fit in very well. They are great people. Us younger players try to follow them. They are great role models.”

Inter Miami will be back in action on Wednesday when facing Monterrey in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final, with the Herons hoping to have eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi back at their disposal for that contest.