Josef Martínez speaks about the impact Lionel Messi has had on Inter Miami

The Venezuelan forward spoke about the positive impact that Messi, Busquets and Alba have had on the MLS team.

Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaJoe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Oct 6th, 2023 16:50 EDT

HECTOR VIVASAFP

Prior to Inter Miami’s decisive duel against Cincinnati in MLS, in which the Herons will put their entire season on the line as they fight to stay alive for the playoffs, Venezuelan forward Josef Martínez spoke about various topics, among them just how he has experienced Lionel Messi’s impact on the team.

In an interview with TUDN, the forward revealed that the arrival of Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets has hugely benefited Inter Miami. One of the aspects in which he has noticed it most is the support of the fans in the games. People now show up to watch the team both home and away: thanks to the new stars, especially the 2022 World Cup winner, the number of supporters the Fort Lauderdale team can boast that their fanbase has grown exponentially all across the world.

“Before, after we had negative moments, not even my grandmother came to see us play. Now, obviously they criticise us, but we are supported by fans from all over the world who now see Inter Miami in a different way and that is very good,” the Venezuelan revealed to TUDN.

MLS:

The latest update on Messi’s fitness ahead of Cincinnati clash

Finishing touches ahead of matchday⏳ pic.twitter.com/Ll1R0HBITY

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 6, 2023

Martínez wants to enjoy time with Messi

Martínez also spoke about what the transition has been like from within the team: at the beginning of the season the results were not going for the side and although they are currently on the verge of missing out on the playoffs, he knows that the presence of ps like Messi, Busquets and Alba, have positively impacted the franchise as a whole.