‘We don’t let him play’ – How Lionel Messi is protected at Inter Miami & why his team-mates are learning a new language

The MLS outfit are delighted to have the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner on board, and saw him inspire them to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States. He has, however, also suffered a knock that prevented him from figuring in the U.S. Open Cup final and a late push for a playoff berth.

Inter Miami are aware of the need to handle Messi with care, with Azcona telling Infobae of how the all-time great is treated behind the scenes: “Everyone understands that we are not going to try to hurt him. One tries to defend, but they are a little more careful. We don't let him play in the games we play among ourselves, we defend him, but with caution. Nobody gets into it very hard.”

It is not just in training that Inter Miami stars are changing their ways for Messi, with Dominican Republic international Azcona revealing that a number of players are learning a new language. He added: “I have not heard Leo speak English... Sometimes, he has said 'good morning' when he comes in, but those who speak English and do not know Spanish are learning to speak Spanish.”

Messi has hit 11 goals for Inter Miami through 14 appearances and will not be heading out on loan in January – amid talk of a return to Barcelona – as he seeks to ensure that he is in peak condition for the start of the 2024 MLS campaign.