Sergio Aguero has revealed what Lionel Messi sees as his first objective ahead of his blockbuster switch to MLS side Inter Miami.
The Argentinian icon's impending transfer to David Beckham's franchise stunned the football world, with the superstar set to play outside of Europe for the first time in his glittering career. Given the move is set to bring some unique commercial benefits for 35-year-old, it will undoubtedly be a lucrative venture for the superstar.
There is no doubt, however, that Messi will have a lot of work to do upon his arrival in Miami, with the Sunshine State club having gone through a tumultuous period on the pitch of late. It is easy to forget that coach Phil Neville was sacked in the same week that legendary forward's signing was announced.
With the Herons currently languishing rock bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference standings, it is clear that the current players are in a dire need of a morale boost. The job ahead of Messi was not lost on his close friend Aguero, however, who was quick to remind his compatriot of Inter Miami's recent woes.
The former Manchester City striker sent the departing Paris Saint-Germain ace a screenshot of Inter Miami's current position in the MLS Eastern Conference. But Messi replied by laying out his first target at his new club - to make the MLS Playoffs.
He revealed to ESPN Argentina: "I spoke to Messi yesterday, I sent him a message with a screenshot of the Eastern Conference standings.
"I said: ‘Your team is behind! You have to move up to 8th/9th!' Messi cracked up. He said, ‘We have to make the playoffs!'"
Despite a decent showing in the US Open Cup this term — reaching the semi-finals of the competition — the South Beach side have won a paltry five games from 16 outings so far this season. On top of this, they have lost five games on the spin in the league.
Messi will be all too aware that the club he is joining has not had things all its own way on the field of late but it is clear that he remains an optimist. The top nine teams in the Eastern Conference will earn a place in the play-offs this season and with Inter Miami currently six points off ninth place Charlotte FC, one would not bet against the superstar turning their fortunes around.
He is expected to join the club on July 5 and is likely to make his debut later that month, possibly against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21. His virtuoso displays for Argentina at the World Cup last year will have Inter Miami supporters hoping he can have a transformative effect on results in the coming months.
