Lionel Messi still has same ‘desire to win’ he had at Barcelona as Tata Martino insists Inter Miami superstar’s impact on MLS hasn’t surprised him

Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino isn’t surprised by Lionel Messi’s impact on MLS and says his “desire to win” is as strong as it was at Barcelona.

Messi has been a huge success story for Inter Miami and MLS since he joined the team as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer. After scoring 15 goals, bagging six assists, and helping them win last season’s Leagues Cup, manager Martino has heaped praise on the 36-year-old.

Martino, who also coached Messi during his coaching spells with Barca and Argentina, told reporters: “The number ones maintain throughout their entire career the way they compete and the desire to win regardless of where they play. That is a big trait of his. I’m not saying that it surprises me because this is the third spell that I have managed him. But today I still see it in the same way as the first time in Barcelona, the desire to go for everything that falls on his path.”

Not only has Messi greatly improved the fortunes of Miami, from a team at the bottom of the MLS to potential title contenders, he has dramatically increased viewing figures in the division and been a huge commercial success for the club and the league. Miami are improving the calibre of players they sign, such as Luis Suarez, and the future seems very bright.

Miami are in CONCACAF Champions Cup action on Wednesday night when they host Nashville in the second leg of their round of 16 tie. Messi’s side, who then face D.C. United in MLS on Saturday, drew the first leg 2-2.