Gerardo Martino Challenges Lionel Messi's Vacation Plans: No Rest for the Competitive Spirit

 Gerardo Martino Challenges Lionel Messi's Vacation Plans: No Rest for the Competitive Spirit

Gerardo Martino Challenges Lionel Messi's Vacation Plans

On June 25th, after the farewell match of Juan Roman Riquelme at La Bombonera stadium, Lionel Messi stated, "I am focused on playing. I want to enjoy the time with my family and the days off." Messi's words were naturally understood by everyone. In club football, he has nothing else to win. He has already won the World Cup and the Copa America with the national team. At the age of 36, with a complete football career, now is the time for Messi to enjoy his final days without any pressure, just savoring the moments. Wrong!

At least Gerardo "Tata" Martino doesn't think so. Tomorrow, he will take on the role of the coach of Major League Soccer's (MLS) club in the United States. Yesterday, officially introducing himself as their coach at a press conference in Miami, Martino made it clear that Messi will not be coming to Miami to spend his vacation. His main focus will be to compete against him and Sergio Busquets. 

On June 8th, Messi announced his decision to join Inter Miami. After the end of the season, he bid farewell to Barcelona. Both Messi and Busquets have been coached by Martino in Barcelona. He was also Messi's coach for the Argentine national team. Therefore, Martino knows both of them very well.

Speaking at the press conference with the two, Miami's new coach said, "I have spoken with Leo and yesterday I spoke with Busquets. We talked about success and competition. Yes, personally, it may seem like that: the United States, Miami, days off—but that's not the issue. We want to compete... and they are not the kind of footballers who will come here and not compete."

As Martino rightly stated, Messi's words are also correct. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is a professional footballer. He is not the kind of star who joins a club and slackens in fulfilling his responsibilities towards that club. Otherwise, he would not have been able to surpass almost everyone and reach such heights. And Martino, as a professional coach, understands what he will get from Messi and Busquets. However, European club football is less competitive than American club football. It is possible that Messi's statement about wanting to enjoy time with his family and days off was made with this lower pressure in mind. So, there is no opportunity for him to play with a lack of determination once he steps onto the field.

Messi has not officially signed with Miami yet. European media reports suggest that he will sign the contract in the first week of July. And on July 16th, Miami can introduce him as their player. Martino believes that Messi's arrival will significantly advance American soccer. He said, "The NFL and NBA players are talking about him... The best player in the world has decided to play in this league (MLS)... I don't think there's a better... such a... well..."