New Inter Miami manager Cristian ‘Kily’ González has said the club takes the opinions of Lionel Messi into consideration when making sporting decisions, insisting one should always listen to players of that level.
“Of course [Messi helps make decisions], in the sense that when you have a player of that class, one that has been lots of great players, you listen. You have to listen. Speaking from my perspective as a coach, and obviously, I speak not only with him but with the senior players about footballing details and comfort. The opinions of players of this caliber and here I’m referring to Leo are fundamental to the club,” González said on Friday.
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“I think that has been proven. So much has been achieved since he arrived, and there is clearly a vital structure in place that is constantly looking for ways to improve. It never ceases to amaze me, having followed this for a long time and comparing where things started to where Inter is now, to see the continuous ambition to keep growing, shared by everyone from the owners and the staff to the people here every day giving it their all. Without a doubt, you always have to listen to him.”
Inter Miami has lifted the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup since Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023. The Inter Miami captain also inspired the club to break the Major League Soccer record for most points in a single season in 2024.
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Kily González agreed to become Inter Miami manager on Aug. 27, but didn’t formally take over until receiving his work permits on Sept. 15. He debuted as head coach in the Campeones Cup against Cruz Azul, leading Inter Miami to the 2-0 victory to lift his first trophy in charge.
“Leo [Messi] told me I was going to become a champion, and he made it happen,” González said after Wednesday’s triumph. “Moving forward, this gives us a huge morale boost, it’s a vital element for us, and while we’ve achieved this, we have to keep going.”
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Inter Miami now prepares to face San Diego FC on Sunday in MLS regular season action. The team sits in second place on the Eastern Conference table with 45 points in 25 games.
