Inter Miami Adopts Barcelona’s ‘Lionel Messi Rule’ in Training
INTER MIAMI, the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, has taken inspiration from Barcelona by implementing the famous ‘Lionel Messi rule’ in their training sessions. This rule ensures that all players prioritize the safety and well-being of the team’s star player, Lionel Messi. Since joining Inter Miami in July, Messi has made a significant impact on the team’s performance, scoring 11 goals in 14 games and leading them to their first trophy, the Leagues Cup. However, despite his individual brilliance, Inter Miami failed to secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference.
One of Messi’s teammates, 19-year-old Edison Azcona, recently reflected on his experience playing alongside the legendary Argentine. Azcona revealed that Inter Miami players are required to follow a specific rule during training to protect Messi from potential injuries. He explained that everyone on the team understands the importance of not hurting Messi and takes extra precautions while defending against him. Azcona stated, “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.”
Inter Miami is not the first team to adopt this rule. Barcelona, Messi’s former club, also had similar measures in place to protect their star player during training sessions. Messi enjoyed tremendous success at Barcelona, scoring a record-breaking 672 goals in 778 games and establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Jean-Clair Todibo, who played for Barcelona and currently represents Nice, revealed that he was one of the players who followed the ‘Lionel Messi rule’ during his time at Barcelona. Todibo emphasized that everyone at the club understood the importance of keeping Messi injury-free. He said, “We all knew that he couldn’t get injured. Messi was defended very carefully in training. I learned a lot from Messi, and I even tackled him a few times, but I was careful not to hurt him.”
The adoption of the ‘Lionel Messi rule’ by Inter Miami demonstrates the respect and admiration that Messi commands within the footballing world. His presence on the field is not only a source of inspiration for his teammates but also a responsibility to ensure his well-being. By implementing this rule, Inter Miami aims to create a safe and supportive environment for Messi to continue showcasing his exceptional skills.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has undoubtedly elevated the team’s profile and attracted significant attention to the MLS. The league has long been striving to establish itself as a competitive and respected footballing destination, and the addition of a player of Messi’s caliber undoubtedly helps achieve that goal. His performances on the field have captivated fans and showcased the level of talent present in the MLS.
As Inter Miami looks ahead to future seasons, the team will undoubtedly continue to prioritize Messi’s safety while also focusing on improving their overall performance. The ‘Lionel Messi rule’ serves as a reminder to all players that protecting their star player is crucial for the team’s success. It highlights the importance of teamwork, unity, and respect within the squad.
In conclusion, Inter Miami’s adoption of Barcelona’s ‘Lionel Messi rule’ in training is a testament to Messi’s influence and impact on the game of football. By implementing this rule, Inter Miami aims to create an environment where Messi can thrive while ensuring his safety. As Messi continues to dazzle fans with his performances, it is evident that his presence has elevated the MLS and brought global attention to the league. The ‘Lionel Messi rule’ serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with having such a talented player on the team and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving success.