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New Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari has praised teammate Lionel Messi for remaining true to his roots despite his unprecedented success in the game. The Argentine goalkeeper joined the Herons as a free agent and has been reunited with Messi, with whom he played for the national teams.
Messi is by far the most decorated footballer at the individual and collective levels, having won the Ballon d'Or eight times. His haul of 45 trophies with his various teams also indicates the amount of success he has achieved, but this has not changed him.
Ustari played alongside the 37-year-old when he first broke out and won the Golden Ball at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The goalkeeper revealed in an interview that he is pleased to see that Lionel Messi has not developed a 'stubborness' that would cause him to change his style.
He said (via Goal):
"What I value most is how he always leads with the right foot forward, he's never forgotten his roots. In the case with me, he has always been the same, so it makes me very happy that he hasn't changed and with time he hasn't developed that stubborness. He has achieved everything there is to achieve and he's earned it by working hard. I am in a stage of enjoyment with Leo and I am happy to be here and to see him also enjoying it."
The 36-year-old goalkeeper last played with Lionel Messi 16 years ago, when they both represented Argentina at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Ustari and Messi were also in the Argentina squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup as teenagers, and the goalkeeper has two caps for his country.
Ustari joined the Herons to provide cover for Drake Callender heading into the business end of the season. The former Getafe and Almeria goalkeeper signed a deal with the side that will run through the 2024 season.
Lionel Messi closing in on Inter Miami return despite minor setback - Reports
Inter Miami talisman Lionel Messi is closing in on a return to action for the side despite a small setback, as per journalist Gaston Edul. The 37-year-old conspicuously missed training with his side as they prepare to face Philadelphia Union in the MLS this weekend.
Messi has been out of action since July, when he sustained an ankle injury during the Copa America final. The forward returned to full training recently but was absent from Wednesday's team training on grass.
Edul has reported that while the forward's ankle is healing nicely, he had some symptoms of flu, which prevented him from participating in full training. He does, however, remain on track to return to action against Philadelphia Union or Atlanta United.
