Julian Gressel reveals when Lionel Messi gets ‘upset’ with Inter Miami players

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last year, transforming the Florida franchise overnight into one of the best teams in MLS.

Although Inter Miami suffered a shock play-off exit this year after losing their first-round play-off series to Atlanta United, the future is still looking bright for the Herons, with Javier Mascherano expected to take over from Tata Martino.

With Angel Di Maria emerging as a transfer target for Inter Miami, things are looking up for the Supporters’ Shield champions, with Messi also set to stay in Florida until 2026 when the forward’s contract expires.

Yet Inter Miami star Julian Gressel has now shared when Messi becomes upset with his teammates.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 9: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami FC is pictured before the game against Atlanta United FC during the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs at Chase Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Messi ‘upset’ with teammates when Inter Miami fail to win games

Speaking on the Major League Journeymen podcast, the USA international noted how Messi gets ‘upset’ whenever Inter Miami fail to win games, with the Argentine determined to win every game, as well as Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.

Gressel said: “It’s demanding. You’re talking about the player with the most wins in the history of the game. They’re coming in and they’re expecting the same, and you as a teammate, you kind of have to get accustomed to that and get used to that with Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba.

“It’s unacceptable to tie a game, as simple as that. We tied a game earlier in the year and I remember him being really, really upset in the locker room, he’s like: ‘We shouldn’t tie, we can’t tie’. When it comes to the game or when it comes to being serious, it’s being serious and it’s time.

“If you’re not doing your part, you’re getting it, like, you’re hearing it. You notice they’re not content. [Messi has] addressed other guys directly, he’s more so quiet, but you have guys like Luis, who’s a little bit more emotional.”

Inter Miami’s Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Major League Soccer (MLS) football match between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 28, 2024. (Photo by Chris ARJOON / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS ARJOON/AFP via Getty Images)

Messi’s mentality has made Inter Miami better on and off the pitch

Messi’s mentality is famous the world over for being one of the best in all of sports, with the Argentine international set on only winning and doing all he can with his once-in-a-generation abilities to secure results.

And this mentality has made Inter Miami better both on and off the pitch, with the likes of Gressel learning from Messi and what the best in soccer demand if they’re to become the biggest and best team in the land.

Although Inter Miami fell short this year in the play-offs, the Herons will be back better than ever next year, especially if Messi remains fit enough to perform for the Florida franchise.