Messi is predicted to score 3 goals per game in MLS

"Messi is completely different from the rest," Barreal told Argentine sports channel TyC Sport. "Inter Miami is clearly struggling this season. Maybe it will be a little difficult for Messi, but I think he will be able to score three or four goals per game."

Former Barca midfielder Riqui Puig once warned that MLS is rich in competition, not a place to "retire" with Messi. Nashville's US center-back Walker Zimmerman thinks that Inter Miami's opponents will be more motivated to contest, steal the ball or block the Argentine star's pass. England player Wayne Rooney recently warned similarly.

However, Barreal thinks that the senior striker will not have many difficulties with the opponent's defenders. "When a star comes to MLS, he makes noise, but not Messi," the 22-year-old winger added. "I don't know if we can make it difficult for Messi. Of course, we both try to bring in the best player in the opposition, because they are different."

After Messi, Inter Miami also recruited Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba - the duo who just parted ways with Barca this summer - on a free transfer. "This trio of former Barca players are three monsters that will help Inter Miami a lot. I just hope they don't recruit anyone anymore," Barreal said with a smile.

Barreal grew up in training and was promoted to the first team of Velez Sarsfield in 2018, then moved to the US to play for Cincinnati from 2020. Over three seasons, he scored nine goals in 59 games in all competitions. The player born in 2000 admits it takes time to adapt to both the league and the new club, but does not believe Messi will have the same problem. "I find MLS has less technique but more running," Barreal said. "Messi will adapt very quickly and will enjoy it. I think Messi will do well in the MLS."

Inter Miami announced the signing of a two-and-a-half-year contract with Messi on July 15, before debuting the Argentine superstar in a grand ceremony titled "The Unveil" a day later. Not only fans, but even Inter Miami players are looking for tickets to go to DRV PNK with their families to watch the ceremony live.

Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin revealed teammate Leonardo Campana messaged the team's WhatsApp group to ask for tickets and was answered by Messi himself. "I didn't even know Messi was added to the group, but he immediately asked Campana how many tickets he needed," Yedlin said. "It took me by surprise, as Messi had only known Campana for about three days, and it was a wonderful new example of Messi's generosity."

Messi is expected to play the first match against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on the evening of July 21, Washington. Ticket prices for this match have been pushed up to a maximum of $ 10,000, according to Diario AS.