Inter Miami star Lionel Messi admits he had to 'reinvent' himself after moving to MLS

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- WHAT HAPPENED?
  
  Lionel Messi has acknowledged his adaption to MLS was comfortable, but the legendary forward conceded playing in North America’s top flight forced him to change the way he plays on the pitch in a wide-ranging interview with Fabrizio Romano for the 433 app.
  
  Messi is also the presumptive MVP frontrunner, having scored 20 and assisted 10 in 19 games to carry the South Beach side to the Supporter’s Shield and new MLS points record. Messi also spoke on his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup, due to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and didn’t rule out that he could feature in the tournament.

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WHAT MESSI SAID

Messi spoke on his adaptation to the league: “I’ve changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation and my age. I am adapting a little bit to everything. I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new. I felt very comfortable from the beginning. To build a club you need to win titles,” he added. “The club was coming off a bad year in MLS [in 2023] and a little bit after my arrival we won Leagues Cup, the first trophy for the club.”

He also conceded that his international future remains uncertain: “I don’t know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup], they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn’t have last year due to all the trips we had. “From there, I will see how I am doing and feeling. We are close, but at the same time it’s a lot of time and anything can happen in football. I don’t think, simply living the day to day without thinking beyond.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi hit the ground running in MLS, and has impressed in his first full season in the league. Playing alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped Miami snag the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They currently lead Atlanta United 1-0 in their first round best of three series.

It all suggests that the star is still playing at a high level, which could position him well for a spot in the Argentina squad ahead of 2026. Messi has played in a handful of international friendlies since La Albiceleste won Copa America last summer, and has shown no indication that he will retire from international duty.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

For the Argentine, the immediate focus is on Miami’s playoff fixture with Atlanta United Saturday night. A win would wrap up the first round series, and set up a second round date with the winner of the Orlando and Charlotte contest.