Tata Martino sees a “more happier” Lionel Messi at Inter Miami following his summer departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
Martino, who previously managed Messi for Argentina and Barcelona, has seen a noticeable shift in the forward’s demeanor following Argentina’s World Cup success and subsequent move to Inter Milan. The Argentine captain has been an instant hit in the United States, having joined Miami on a free transfer after leaving PSG after a turbulent two-year spell, having already scored eight goals in five League Cup matches, and Martino believes that a “calmer” Messi has been a significant factor behind his superlative performances.
WHAT THEY SAID: “You see it in the field; I don’t have to tell you, but he’s a lot calmer, much happier,” said Martino. “Being happy also has to do with where he’s been.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi has been enjoying his life off-the-pitch as well and was recently spotted having dinner with his Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham’s family along with team-mates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and their wives.
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WHAT NEXT? Messi will be back in action against the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-finals on Tuesday evening at the Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
