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WHAT HAPPENED?
Asked about what it was like to play with the World Cup-winner, the German midfielder’s answers ranged from the tactical to the almost mystical as he vividly explained the difference Messi makes when he’s on the pitch.
WHAT JULIAN GRESSEL SAID
“Leo I think makes everyone look better on the field and Leo does so many things for us,” Gressel told CBS Sports. “You can get the feeling that when he’s on the field there’s a different energy about us and there’s a different feeling to the group.
“The game against Colorado he came on at half-time and the energy shifted, not only in the stadium with the fans obviously cheering more but also within the group, where he gets the ball, everyone around us is activated. And I think even coaches say that, it makes everyone play at a higher level, even myself.
“Leo’s a great teammate, he’s a great player. Every day in training he wows me still and it’s incredible to see and be so close to daily.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gressel, who arrived from Columbus Crew during the off-season, is well placed to comment as he often shares the same flank as Messi – a proposition, he says, that often calls for more defensive effort but also frees space for him as opponents focus their resources on the Argentine.
Messi’s injury-hit season has also provided scope to compare and contrast the dynamics when Miami’s main attraction is available. Gressel’s depiction of the effect Messi provided when introduced in the second half against Colorado gives an illuminating insight to how teammates spark when their talisman is in the game.
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WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
The Herons take on Nashville on Saturday night hoping to maintain their strong start to the domestic season. After appearing in their last three games, Miami fans will be hoping that Messi has recovered from his early-season setback to energise an expectant Chase Stadium.
