Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS, Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi gave a priceless piece of advice to young Inter Miami team-mate David Ruiz before he went on to score in the Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami lifted the Leagues Cup on Saturday after defeating Nashville, but needed a penalty shootout to prevail. It ended up being a test of endurance.
A total of 22 penalties were taken in all, before goalkeeper Elliot Panicco missed the decisive spot-kick.
One of Inter Miami's penalties was scored by 19-year-old Honduras youth international David Ruiz, who netted just his second goal for the club in the 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the semi-final.
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And he has revealed how he has been eager to get tips from Messi - as well as the key piece of advice that the Argentinian gave to him prior to scoring.
Speaking to reporters after lifting the Leagues Cup, Ruiz explained (quotes via Goal): "One thing Messi told me is to stand still more.
"You want to run for every ball, look for space to have it more, but he has told me to stay still in my position and the ball will come to me.
"I tried it and it came off. I was more patient."
Messi has perfected the art of walking around the pitch when his team are out of possession, in an attempt to find space between defenders. You can see how he does it below.
Inter Miami were statistically the worst team in Major League Soccer in 2023 upon Messi's arrival last month, but you'd be surprised to see that record last too long when the season resumes.
The Argentinian has so far been restricted to playing in the Leagues Cup, which features teams from across North America, due to the MLS mid-season break.
In typical Messi fashion, he has completely dominated the competition, scoring in each of Inter Miami's seven matches on his way to netting 10 goals overall.
Messi's side are back in MLS action on August 27, when they travel to the New York Red Bulls. Three days before that clash, they face a trip to Cincinnati to contest the US Open Cup semi-final.
