Lionel Messi is just weeks away from making his Inter Miami debut following his Paris Saint-Germain departure but is yet to actually link up with his new teammates.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has identified a match against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 for Messi's debut, but for now, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is just taking some time for himself to spend with family before his next chapter.
When Messi eventually does meet the players he'll be sharing the Miami dressing room with, they could be surprised by how he interacts. At least, that's how former colleague Achraf Hakimi felt when the pair first crossed paths at the beginning of the Argentina international's time in the French capital.
Speaking to French outlet L'Equipe back in 2021, Hakimi opened up on his initial interactions with Messi and explained: "Building a technical relationship with him is easy! I give him the ball, I run and he will put it where it belongs! (Laughs) I was surprised by the way he behaved, he is simple, quiet."
Messi has never seemingly been one to be the loudest voice in the dressing room but has proven countless times throughout his career that he doesn't need to be.
The 36-year-old clearly opts for the 'lead by example' approach, as exhibited by his efforts with his national team.
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In what was sure to be his last World Cup, Messi inspired Argentina to their first triumph in the competition since 1986. The former Barcelona star netted twice in the final and has now achieved just about all there is to achieve at both club and international level.
His time in Miami will certainly spark intrigue, given Inter's struggles at the moment. Without a manager following Phil Neville's sacking, they sit bottom of the Eastern Conference with just five wins from 18 games so far this season.
Despite this, Messi has admitted he is chomping at the bit to get started.
Back in his hometown of Rosario this weekend for a testimonial game for both ex-teammate Maxi Rodriguez and Riquelme, the World Cup winner admitted: "It is a very nice feeling to have been able to be at [Riquelme's] testimonial, with all that he means for football in Argentina, what he means to Boca, to be once again in "La Bombonera", Messi told Argentinian Public Television.
"Now there will be a few days of vacation and then I will start in my new city, my new club, I am very excited."
