"Messi is completely different from the rest," Barreal told Argentine sports channel TyC Sport . "Inter Miami are clearly struggling this season. It might be a little difficult for Messi, but I think he will be able to score three or four goals per game."

Former Barca midfielder Riqui Puig has warned that MLS is competitive, not a place to retire for Messi. Nashville's US midfielder Walker Zimmerman believes Inter Miami's opponents will be motivated to fight for the ball, steal the ball or block passes from the Argentine star. England legend Wayne Rooney recently issued a similar warning.

However, Barreal believes the senior striker will not have much trouble with opposing defenders. "When a star comes to MLS, he makes a lot of noise, but not Messi," the 22-year-old winger added. "I don't know if we can make it difficult for Messi. Of course, we all try to mark the best player of the opponent, because they are different."

After Messi, Inter Miami also recruited Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba - the duo who left Barca this summer - on free transfers. "These three former Barca players are three monsters who will help Inter Miami a lot. I just hope they don't recruit anyone else," Barreal said with a laugh.

Barreal grew up in the training camp and was promoted to the first team of Velez Sarsfield in 2018, then moved to the US to play for Cincinnati since 2020. Over three seasons, he scored nine goals in 59 matches in all competitions. The player born in 2000 admitted that it took time to adapt to both the league and the new club, but does not believe Messi will have the same problem. "I see that MLS has less technique but more running," Barreal said. "Messi will adapt very quickly and will enjoy it. I think Messi will play well in MLS."

Inter Miami announced the signing of Messi on a two-and-a-half-year contract on July 15, before unveiling the Argentine superstar in a lavish ceremony dubbed "The Unveil" a day later. Not only fans, but even Inter Miami players rushed to buy tickets to bring their families to DRV PNK Stadium to watch the ceremony live.

Inter Miami unveils Messi

Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin revealed that teammate Leonardo Campana messaged the team's WhatsApp group asking for tickets and Messi himself responded. "I didn't even know Messi was added to the group, but he immediately asked Campana how many tickets he needed," Yedlin said. "That surprised me, because Messi had only known Campana for about three days, and it was a great refreshing example of Messi's generosity."

Messi is scheduled to play his first match against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on the evening of July 21 in Washington. Ticket prices for this match have been pushed up to a maximum of $10,000, according to Diario AS .

Hong Duy