“We killed them” - USMNT star Zack Steffen on Inter Miami battle; opens up on ‘f***ing wild’ Lionel Messi turnaround
USMNT and Colorado Rapids star Zack Steffen has opened up about facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the MLS this season. The Herons, helped by their Argentine superstar, were legendary in the league phase of the competition, bagging the most points in MLS history (74).
Messi, as always, was the centerpiece for the Miami-based team, bagging 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 league games for the side.
Steffen detailed his impact on a game in a recent interview, explaining how the team's demeanor changed following the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's introduction. Speaking with The Daily Mail, the American said:
"It's crazy, bro. We killed them. Then Messi came on and scored a few minutes later. Dude, the demeanor of the fans, the demeanor of the team... they were just a totally different f***ing team. It was f***ing wild."
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami secured the Supporter's shield at the end of the season but failed to claim the MLS Playoff trophy for their efforts. The Miami-based outfit will be included in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to be hosted in the United States.
"He will be our No. 10" - Inter Miami co-owner lays out plans to extend Lionel Messi's contract
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mashas revealed that he believes Lionel Messi will continue at the club after 2025. The Argentine legend is contracted to the MLS side until the winter of 2025.
At 37, Messi remains one of the best players in the division and has become the highest goalscorer in The Heron's history since he arrived in the summer of 2023. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 39 games to help the team to the Leagues Cup and Supporter's Shield.
Addressing concerns that the Argentine Maestro might leave the club when his contract expires, Jorge Mas said via GOAL:
"Messi is under contract through 2025; Leo and I will sit and discuss the future. As I have said before, and I will repeat it now: I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 and the opening of our 2026 MLS season after a trophy-laden 2025 season, that Leo Messi will be our No.10."
Mas continued:
"We are going to use every single roster mechanism given to us by the league to build the best roster we can to compete in 2025, knowing we will compete in multiple competitions such as the CONCACAF Champions League, Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup."
"There is pressure here to win, and that pressure is going to continue. We expect it of ourselves, our coaches and players. There are roster decisions being made, a little too prematurely than we expected."
Inter Miami will be keen to maintain their partnership with Lionel Messi and continue to build on the success he brings on the pitch with his performances. The Barcelona legend will be 38 when his current deal expires.
