Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright has shared his experience of playing alongside Lionel Messi, revealing the profound impact the Argentine star has had on him. Bright admitted he almost fainted upon meeting Messi for the first time, despite mentally preparing himself. Bright's candid remarks offer a glimpse into Messi's influence on and off the field, highlighting his humility, leadership, and the quiet authority he brings to the team.
Bright, who joined Inter Miami in 2024, described Messi as a humble person with an incredible aura. "Leo is a very humble person with an incredible aura," Bright said in an interview with Gazzetta. "I remember that the first time I saw him I almost fainted, despite trying to prepare myself mentally before he arrived. He presented himself as an ordinary person, he is a leader on and off the pitch, before games he always knows how to find the right words to motivate us". Bright's reaction echoes similar sentiments from other Inter Miami players who have been awestruck by Messi's presence. Inter Miami's backup goalkeeper, Carlos Joaquim Antunes Dos Santos, recalled his first meeting with Messi, stating, "He has an aura, an energy that you've never seen before, it's as if he is glowing".
Bright also emphasized Messi's relentless professionalism, fierce competitiveness, and enduring hunger to win. "A model professional, with an obsessive attention to detail. He is a quiet guy, but on the pitch, he turns into an animal, at 38 years old and after everything he has won he never wants to lose even in training. In the locker room he also has an excellent relationship with the whole team," Bright added. Bright has played 47 matches with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami since joining in 2024 and together they have won the Supporters' Shield last season and the MLS Cup this season.
Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer has been a turning point for the league. Stadiums across the country have been selling out, television interest has surged, and Inter Miami fixtures have turned into major events. His presence has also attracted global names to MLS, accelerating the league's growth and changing how soccer in the United States is viewed worldwide.
Before joining Inter Miami, Messi had a legendary career at Barcelona, where he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances. He won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League crowns, and 7 Copa del Rey trophies with the club. In 2021, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami. He also led Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
As Inter Miami prepares for the 2026 season, the team is looking to strengthen its squad around Messi. The team will begin the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign away against Los Angeles FC on February 21 and will begin their Concacaf Champions Cup run against the winner of the matchup between Nashville SC and Atletico Ottawa on March 11.
