Inter Miami teenager reveals biggest lesson taken from Lionel Messi – which proves why Argentine superstar is the GOAT

Morales, at just 17 years of age, has figured for the Herons at the start of their 2025 pre-season programme. It was he who dispatched the winning penalty in a shootout against Mexican side Club America – with his performance and character earning praise from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

Players, both young and old, have embraced the opportunity to work with Messi on a daily basis. They are also getting the chance to train alongside the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, which can only be beneficial to their future development.

Morales admits as much, telling reporters of what he has been taking from sessions spent watching Messi and Co at close quarters: “What they teach most is the desire to win and always compete. They are players with a great track record, who are hungry to win and compete in every training session and match. That’s what they transmit, always competing and always giving their best.”

It is that mindset, which is shared with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, that has carried Messi to the very top of his chosen profession. Despite all that he has achieved, the 37-year-old continues to demand the best of himself and will be determined to savour MLS Cup glory with Inter Miami in 2025.