One of Lionel Messi's teammates at Inter Miami has revealed a side to the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner that nobody sees.
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The 36-year-old joined the Herons in July this year following a two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain in France.
Since his arrival in the United States, Messi has helped guide Inter Miami to Leagues Cup success and contributed to 16 goals in 14 matches across all competitions.
Recently, the ex-Barcelona captain returned to his side's training ground with his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award to celebrate his latest triumph with his colleagues, many of whom had not been around a player of his status.
Ian Fray, a 21-year-old centre-back who is yet to play alongside Messi, has since hailed the Argentine's humility.
"That's what people should really know about Messi, the little things he does like that," he told Fox Sports.
"Of course, the whole world gets to see the type of player he is and the things he can do with the ball at his feet. But he understands there is a lot more than that, and it is obvious he cares about his teammates."
Following his debut, in which he scored a dramatic winner, Messi sent a message of support to Fray, who had suffered a devastating ACL injury earlier in that same game.
"When he did that and took the time from that amazing moment to think of me, it meant the world. It still does. I was just sitting there thinking, 'This guy doesn't need to be doing this,' but he did it for me. He did it because of who he is," Fray added.
"I saw the interview on social media, but I don't speak Spanish – I'm getting on Google Translate to figure out what he was saying. Then I saw the photo of him and the guys with my jersey, holding it up in the locker room.
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"At that point, I couldn't cry any more, I was just numb. It had a different kind of effect. I literally wanted to go and get the surgery then and there, so I could get back to soccer and play with Messi."
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