Lionel Messi did 'naked pull-ups' in front of Inter Miami squad as Argentine colleague lifts lid on eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's 'unbearably competitive' training attitude

Veteran Argentine goalkeeper Ustari joined fellow countryman Messi at Chase Stadium in September 2024, as the Herons added greater depth to a squad that was on course to make history in MLS when claiming the Supporters’ Shield with a record points haul.

Messi’s contribution to that cause earned him in the 2024 MVP award, with 21 goals and 12 assists recorded. At 37 years of age, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is showing no sign of slowing down. That is because he shares the same relentless drive as eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ustari, who savoured Olympic gold medal glory alongside Messi in 2008, has told DSports Radio of his illustrious compatriot: “Messi is unbearably competitive, he is incredible at everything. There are team-mates who had never seen him and are surprised. Nothing is a coincidence at that level. You see that his passion is football, training, being well and showing every day who he is.”

Messi’s methods in training can be a little unusual at times, with Ustari going on to say: “He has fun doing what he does. The first day I arrived at the club he was doing pull-ups buck naked, and all the guys were around him. He treats everyone equally, he's very family-oriented. He's a person who generates a lot for everyone. He is very involved in the academy, he is aware of everything. That is how I see it.”

Ustari cannot see Messi hanging up his boots any time soon, with there 12 months left to run on his contract at Inter Miami. An extension option may be triggered there that allows the all-time great to remain in the United States for the 2026 World Cup.