Inter Miami midfielder Robert Taylor discussed what it means to play alongside rookie Lionel Messi on a team that has drawn global attention. The Wall Street Journal captured his reflections on how Messi’s presence shapes the way the rest of the squad operates on the field.
Taylor explained that Messi often maintains possession under intense pressure from multiple defenders. This ability opens up more space for teammates because opponents must commit more players to pressure. When the ball reaches Messi, he can convert challenging situations into scoring chances by executing precise passes, even if the initial delivery isn’t perfect. Taylor noted that Messi’s calm under pressure allows him to control the tempo and make decisive plays that others might miss, effectively raising the level of the entire offense.
Messi’s club transition this summer marked a significant moment in the MLS, as the Argentine superstar left Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons to pursue new opportunities in North America. Joining Inter Miami, Messi made an immediate impact by scoring a free kick in his first appearance for the club. Before making the move to the United States, Messi had been courted by clubs in other regions, including a Saudi Arabian option that featured an enticing salary proposition, underscoring the global interest in his talents.
In competitive showings for Inter Miami, Messi has already contributed multiple goals in key league competitions. A standout performance came in the League Cup knockout rounds, where he tallied twice against Dallas in his fourth appearance for the club. The following match saw him find the back of the net twice again in a win over Orlando, reinforcing his influence in MLS play. On the evening of July 26, he delivered a brief but explosive burst, scoring twice within 22 minutes against Atlanta United. His earlier heroics included a late goal in extra time that sealed a victory over Cruz Azul in the opening leg of a different tournament, highlighting a knack for clutch moments when the stakes are high.
For managers and players within Inter Miami, Messi’s arrival has been a catalyst for broader strategic experimentation and squad dynamics. The club’s leadership has spoken publicly about integrating Messi into the tactical framework while ensuring that teammates like Taylor have opportunities to showcase their own abilities in supportive, space-creating roles. This dynamic illustrates how a single world-class talent can influence performance across the lineup, elevating both the speed and precision of decisions on the field.
Throughout the season, several observers have commented on how Messi’s influence extends beyond statistics. His capacity to attract defensive attention frees teammates to operate in more advanced positions and to execute passes and runs with greater confidence. In turn, Inter Miami has benefited from enhanced ball retention, sharpened attacking intent, and improved transitional play as the team adapts to life with an icon who remains at the pinnacle of world football.
In evaluating Messi’s impact, analysts point to the heightened spectacle surrounding Inter Miami’s matches and the broader attention paid to MLS. For fans in North America, the Messi era has offered a vivid reminder of how a marquee player can reshape a league’s identity, push local talents to refine their craft, and stimulate broader discussion about competition, development, and international recruitment in professional soccer.