Messi’s High Standards: Gressel Reveals Locker Room Tensions at Inter Miami
When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF, the world knew the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would bring his unmatched talent and winning mentality to Major League Soccer. But according to midfielder Julian Gressel, Messi’s expectations for excellence didn’t just stay on the pitch—they transformed the locker room culture, sometimes creating intense moments for his teammates.
Speaking on the “Major League Journeymen” podcast, Gressel opened up about the demanding environment Messi fostered at Inter Miami. “It’s demanding [in the locker room with Messi]. You’re talking about the player with the most wins in the history of the game,” Gressel said. “They’re coming in and they’re expecting the same, and you as a teammate, you kind of have to get accustomed to that and get used to that with Messi, [Luis] Suárez, [Sergio] Busquets, and [Jordi] Alba.”
One of the most striking revelations? Messi’s disdain for anything less than a victory. “It’s unacceptable to tie a game, as simple as that,” Gressel shared. “We tied a game earlier in the year, and I remember him being really, really upset in the locker room. He’s like, ‘We shouldn’t tie, we can’t tie.’”
Martino Steps In to Calm Messi
Even then-manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino had to step in at times to temper Messi’s fiery competitive spirit. Gressel recalled Martino telling Messi, “It’s OK to draw sometimes, we can’t just win everything, it’s not how this league works.” But for Messi, that mindset didn’t align with his aura of greatness. “For [Messi], his aura is that,” Gressel added.
Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS campaign was nothing short of historic. The team clinched the Supporters’ Shield and set a league record for most points in a single season with a 22-4-8 (W-L-D) record. However, their playoff run ended in shocking fashion, as they were eliminated by Atlanta United FC in the first round. Despite their regular-season dominance, the Herons couldn’t carry that momentum into the postseason, leaving players and fans alike stunned.
Locker Room Tensions and High Expectations
Gressel didn’t shy away from discussing the pressure that came with playing alongside Messi and other global stars like Suárez and Busquets. “When it comes to the game or when it comes to being serious, it’s being serious and it’s time,” Gressel said. “If you’re not doing your part, you’re getting it, like, you’re hearing it.”
While Messi is known for his quiet leadership, Gressel noted that Suárez often took a more vocal approach. “Messi will certainly come up to you and will talk to you more so rather than be in your face about things,” Gressel explained. “But you have guys like Luis, who’s a little bit more emotional. He’s more outgoing in a sense, emotionally outgoing like that, so you hear more from him.”
The team’s playoff exit came after a 2-1 loss to Atlanta in the best-of-three series, with defeats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 2 and Chase Stadium on Nov. 9. The loss left the locker room in a state of disbelief. “After the loss, the guys were distraught in the locker room. You have everybody kind of staring into nothing,” Gressel said. “You just sit in the quiet and kind of in disbelief, but also very hesitant too, like, ‘Whoa, like, what just happened.’”
Warning Signs Before the Playoffs
Despite their record-breaking season, Gressel admitted he saw cracks in the team’s armor as the playoffs approached. “I saw some warning signs throughout the last few weeks of the season,” he said. “All year long, we’ve given up too many chances and we’ve given up too many goals, and that’s all usually something that you have to fix before the playoffs in order to kind of make a deep run.”
Indeed, while Inter Miami scored a league-high 79 goals during the season, their defense conceded 49—a vulnerability that ultimately cost them in the postseason.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
As the Herons head into the offseason, they face significant challenges. Not only do they need to address their defensive issues, but they also have to find a new head coach after Martino announced his resignation on Nov. 19. The search for a replacement has already sparked speculation, with some wondering if Barcelona legend Xavi could reunite with Messi in Miami.
For now, the team will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the 2025 season. With Messi’s high standards and the lessons learned from this year’s heartbreak, Inter Miami will undoubtedly aim to come back stronger than ever.
Originally Written by: Unknown
