‘A shock…’ Inter Miami youngster details what it’s like training with Lionel Messi
Inter Miami youngster CJ dos Santos has detailed what it’s like training with Lionel Messi since the Argentine’s arrival in Florida.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper has served as Drake Callender’s backup this season, with Santos set to make only his second-ever MLS appearance for Inter Miami this weekend against the New York Red Bulls.
Whilst Messi himself will be absent from the fixture due to injury, Santos has had the privilege in recent weeks to learn from the 36-year-old and to train with the forward on a day-to-day basis.
CJ dos Santos in awe of training with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami
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And speaking to AS, Dos Santos spoke about how the feeling of training with Messi is yet to really set, with the former Benfica academy star in awe of the winger and Sergio Busquets.
Dos Santos said when asked about being Messi’s teammate: “I don’t think it ever gets normal because I grew up watching them [Messi and Busquets].
“All the La Liga games back in the day, Champions League games, you always look at them and always have a bit of a shock like ‘oh, I am playing with them.’
“They’ve brought in a great culture, a great winning mentality, a family mentality and culture in the locker room, and we all appreciate them, they’re great people with families and a great background.”
Lionel Messi can bring the best out of his new teammates
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Messi’s mere presence at Inter Miami has been enough to raise the standards of a number of players at the club, namely the aforementioned Callender, who is now a full US international.
And with the Argentine expected to spend quite some time at Inter Miami, there’s a real chance that the Herons could house a team of emerging superstars with Messi aiding the youngsters in training.
Indeed, Inter Miami are one of the most exciting clubs in world soccer with Messi as their talisman, and the likes of Dos Santos could enjoy real growth with the forward guiding the many prospects.
