Lionel Messi is known for his calm personality, but his intensity during crucial matches has inspired many of his former MLS teammates to raise their game.

Kamal Miller realised something was different when security guards started appearing around the training ground in the summer of 2023. Rumours were swirling that Messi, having completed his stint with Paris Saint-Germain, was on the verge of joining Inter Miami. Initially, it was treated as idle gossip — until the increased security and restricted access hinted at something bigger. Requests for the No.10 jersey were refused, and then, without fanfare, Messi arrived.

“They caught us off guard because he was the first one in the building,” Miller recalled. “We walked in and he was already there. We had to play it cool.”

Those early days were filled with awe, as teammates adjusted to the magnitude of Messi’s fame. Over time, though, they began to understand what truly sets him apart — his composure and ability to elevate tense moments simply through presence.

“The pressure kind of comes from within because he’s not too verbal,” Miller explained.

Transforming the culture at Inter Miami

When Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, the club was struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. The management had been clearing salary space for marquee signings, and co-owner David Beckham had hinted at Messi’s arrival more than once. Alongside Messi came Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, forming an elite trio.

Miller, now with the Portland Timbers, was an experienced MLS defender and key Canadian international. After months of speculation, Messi and Busquets were suddenly teammates — and Miller found himself right between them.

“My locker was actually between him and Busquets,” he said. “I texted my family and friends, saying, ‘I can’t believe this — I’m sitting between two legends.’”

Stories about Messi’s quiet demeanour in the dressing room proved accurate. “All those reports and myths about him are kind of true,” Miller admitted. “He’s a bit of a fly on the wall — doesn’t talk much, just focuses on training and gym work.”

‘An unreal free kick’

Despite Miami’s poor league position, Messi instantly transformed their fortunes in the 2023 Leagues Cup — a tournament between MLS and Liga MX teams. Miller remembered the shift vividly. “Playoffs didn’t seem possible, so we said the Leagues Cup was the perfect chance to turn the season around,” he said.

Messi made an immediate impact. “In his first game, he came off the bench, and with one of his first touches, he scored a free kick,” Miller recalled. “It was incredible.”

Messi continued to deliver, scoring another stunning free kick against FC Dallas to force penalties after Miami trailed 4-2. Miami eventually lifted the Leagues Cup after a dramatic win over Nashville, with Messi scoring a brilliant solo goal in the final.

‘He goes into a different mode’

Forward Fafa Picault, who joined Miami in 2025, witnessed the same competitive fire. Brought in for his pace and direct attacking play, Picault saw firsthand how Messi’s intensity surged in big games. Miami fought across three competitions that year — MLS, Leagues Cup, and the Club World Cup — with Messi leading them to their first victory over a European opponent.

“You can see he goes into a different mode, especially in playoff mode,” Picault said. “There are moments when you just see that hunger to win. In knockout games, he becomes even more driven.”

Picault believes Messi’s competitive edge comes from both his nature and his generation. At 39, Messi remains a product of a fiercely competitive era. “You can tell he comes from that generation. That’s why he’s still performing at this level — it’s his dedication and mindset,” Picault added.

Picault, who fought his way back into professional football after leaving Serie A side Cagliari at 20, found Messi’s drive contagious. “I started my career in an era where you had to fight for everything. So when I see his mentality, I try to match it in training and be ready for those extra-demanding games,” he said.

That shared determination paid off — Miami won the MLS Cup, and Picault cherished being part of Messi’s journey. “It’s been pure joy to not only watch but also to be part of even a small part of his incredible football story,” he said.

Focus shifts to the World Cup

Argentina’s World Cup campaign has had its shaky moments, even though Messi’s individual numbers remain impressive. The defending champions scraped through tough matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland — with Messi moved to tears after a comeback win over Egypt. Despite inconsistencies, he remains joint leader in the Golden Boot race, and could yet finish as the tournament’s top scorer and captain a title-winning side without hitting peak form.

“Every time he breaks a record, it’s a joy to watch,” said Picault. “It makes me happy to see him keep achieving.”

Former teammate CJ dos Santos echoed those thoughts. “It’s special to watch him. People talk about aura — he has it. When he’s in an Argentina shirt, he can change a game instantly. It’s a privilege to see what he does with the ball,” said dos Santos, who played with Messi at Miami between 2023 and 2024.

England await

Now comes England — one of Argentina’s most storied World Cup rivals. The fixture is steeped in history, from Diego Maradona’s infamous 'Hand of God' to David Beckham’s red card against Diego Simeone. Yet, remarkably, the teams have not met competitively since 2002, and Messi has never faced England.

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the challenge of containing Messi is a daunting one. “I was thinking about how to mark him — maybe an old-school man-marking job,” Tuchel said. “Everyone knows his zones and how he reads the game earlier than anyone else. The ball just seems to find him.”

Tuchel will be hoping to devise a plan, but reality dictates that every Argentina match could be Messi’s last on the world stage. Having delayed his decision to play in this World Cup, extending his international career beyond it would mean continuing into his 40s.

For his current and former teammates, it’s a moment to savour. “You just want to be part of that legacy,” Miller said. “Many can say they played with Messi, but not everyone can say they won a trophy alongside him.”