Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has said his decision to join Inter Miami was driven primarily by the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi, whom he described as the greatest footballer of all time.
The former Manchester United star made his Major League Soccer debut in Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over CF Montreal last weekend, with Luis Suarez scoring the match’s only goal from the penalty spot.
The win extended Miami’s winning streak to six matches and moved them within two points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC ahead of Saturday’s home clash against the Columbus Crew.
Messi has not featured for Inter Miami since the FIFA World Cup break after being granted an extended holiday following Argentina’s run to the final, where they lost to Spain. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to training on Wednesday, although it remains unclear whether he will feature against Columbus before the Leagues Cup break.
Speaking at his introductory press conference on Thursday, Casemiro said the chance to share the pitch with Messi was the main reason he chose the MLS club.
“For me, without a doubt, I am coming only to play with the best player of all time,” he said.
“I want to enjoy it, I want to help him to keep winning, because he is a winner. Another player is joining who wants to win, who wants to compete.
“I am where I want to be in MLS. I left Manchester United as a free agent, I had options in Italy, other teams in different places, but I am where I want to be.
“I want to enjoy being with him, helping him win and making him even bigger. He’s one of, if not the God of football, and I want to help.”
Casemiro faced Messi numerous times during his spell at Real Madrid, when the Argentine was starring for Barcelona.
The pair started 11 El Clasico matches against each other, with Barcelona winning five, Real Madrid claiming four victories and two games ending in draws. Messi scored five goals in those encounters.
Reflecting on those battles, Casemiro admitted Messi was one of the toughest opponents he had ever faced.
“The amount of problems Messi gave me, of course I dreamed of playing with him,” he said.
“I always wanted to play with the best.
“I could never stop him; I always needed help from my team-mates. I am very happy that I am now with him, and I want to keep winning with him.”
Inter Miami will host the Columbus Crew on Saturday before shifting focus to the Leagues Cup. Columbus head into the fixture in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, three points outside the playoff positions, after ending their winless run with a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati last weekend.