'He has an aura...he glows' Inter Miami keeper’s reaction on first Messi meeting

The Inter Miami back up keeper Carlos Joaquim Antunes Dos Santos recalled his first reaction after meeting the world champion for the first time recently.

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has caused endless reactions around the world. The Argentine has impressed on the field, increased the profile of MLS globally and even impressed his teammates.

In an interview with Brazil’s ‘O Gol’, Inter’s substitute goalkeeper, Carlos Joaquim Antunes Dos Santos, recounted his first reaction when he first came face to face with the striker from Rosario.

“I went to the locker room, I said ‘good morning everyone’ and I looked to the right and he was sitting there. He has an aura, an energy that you’ve never seen before, it’s as if he is glowing” were the words of the 22-year-old.

CJ Dos Santos acknowledged that “he has a different energy, he is a humble man. He is gentle, kind, talks about everything” and confessed that “I ask him for advice. He is a very accessible guy, it is impossible for you not to like him”.

The Messi factor at Inter Miami

Inter Miami are struggling in the MLS standings with only 18 points and face an uphill battle to secure a play-off place but the arrival of Messi has delivered a boost to the team with his seven goals in four games firing the Herons to a quarterfinal berth of the 2023 Leagues Cup where they face Charlotte FC on Friday night.

Messi could win his first title with the Miami team on 19 August but needs to overcome three more hurdles on the path to his first silverware in the United States.