Lionel Messi gave Inter Miami team-mates a brilliant gift after moving to MLS

Lionel Messi Inter Miami

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been in electric form since his MLS move

INSTAGRAM
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 03/08/2023

- 11:35

Updated: 03/08/2023

- 15:14

The 36-year-old has been in outstanding form since moving to America from Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi gave his Inter Miami team-mates some headphones upon moving to the club, according to midfielder Rob Taylor.

Messi has been in outstanding form since leaving Paris Saint-Germain behind, scoring five goals in just three matches.


Taylor moved to Inter Miami himself last year, having once played for non-League Lincoln City.

And the Finland international has now revealed Messi presented the squad with some headphones upon joining David Beckham's side.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami

Lionel Messi fever is taking over Inter Miami following MLS transfer

PA

"I don't think there's too many changes - there's more security," he told Sky Sports when asked what had changed at the club following Messi's spectacular switch.

"But, before the first game, we all got the Dr Dre Beats headphones from him, so that was really nice."

Taylor is delighted to be playing with Messi, a footballer he's followed ever since his youth.

"I've watched him play all my life at the highest level, and now, to play with him and to be in the same team as him is crazy," added the midfielder.

"You watch him train and play every day and try and learn from him.

"His decision-making is unbelievable - I can't see him doing a wrong decision at all during the game or training, so you just want to try and learn.

"He comes to me and tells me how he wants me positioned in different situations."

Messi has, throughout his career, not learned English.

But that's not changing with the former PSG and Barcelona star doing his best to settle into life in America.

"I'm taking Spanish lessons and he's taking English lessons," he said.

"Still, the conversation level isn't great, but, on the field, it's different.

"I feel like football is a language where if you link up with someone, you don't necessarily have to speak the same language - you just play well together.

"I've heard him say a couple things in English to me and couple of players around him, so I think he speaks pretty good English."

Taylor also believes Messi is boosting the profile of both Inter Miami and MLS.

Celebrities such as LeBron James, Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian have all flocked to watch the World Cup winner in action.

And Taylor has noticed the eyes of the world starting to take note of Inter Miami in the wake of Messi's arrival.

"Of course, it's brought a lot of new energy to the team, the club and the fans," he said.

"The stadium is sold out, and it's really great right now.

"We all enjoy it [the bigger atmosphere] - everyone wants to play in front of as many fans as there can be, so when it's sold out, it's great."

On his own profile growing, he added: "Maybe my social media has been gaining higher numbers, but I have people around me - my friends and my family - who make sure that I don't get too high up myself.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has seen it all during his career in football

PA

"They bring me down and I like that.

"I don't see it as too big of a change - I just played two games where I've scored goals.

"There's loads more games to come so I've got to keep my feet on the ground and work hard."

Messi and Taylor could both feature when Inter Miami lock horns with Charlotte on August 21.

Inter Miami remain bottom the MLS table, having won just five of their 22 games so far this season.

You may like