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Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari has opened up on Argentine maestro Lionel Messi's role in his transfer to the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit. The 38-year-old, who spent two months in free agency after his contract with Chilean side Audax Italiano expired, joined the Herons in September 2024.
An experienced shot-stopper, Ustari has plied his trade all over the world, including in England (Sunderland), Spain (Getafe and Almeria) and Mexico (Atlas and Pachuca). However, he spent most of his career in South America, playing for the likes of Boca Juniors, Independiente, and Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys.
In an interview with Argentine media outlet TN, Ustari spoke about the events leading up to his move to Florida. He detailed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's involvement in Inter Miami's transfer activity, saying (via GOAL):
"I was in Mexico when Tata (Martino) called me. It was on August 28, my father's birthday. (He told me that) I met all the conditions. Leo (Messi) was able to contribute his grain of sand, also believing that I have all the conditions to be where I am today."
"(With Martino) we talked about the situation of the club. I was honest with him and told him that I could take that place, that he could count on me. It was all very quick. There wasn't much time either. And it was also the possibility of reaching a competitive league like MLS is becoming. In my case, I don't let new experiences pass me by. This was an opportunity and I took it," Ustari added.
Ustari made his debut for the Herons on October 6, keeping a clean sheet in a narrow 1-0 win over Toronto FC.
"We had some mate" - Inter Miami keeper Oscar Ustari recalls conversation with Lionel Messi before move to Florida
Inter Miami keeper Oscar Ustari recalled the conversation that he had with Argentine legend Lionel Messi before making the move to the MLS. The shot-stopper discussed the chat with the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner over a glass of mate, a traditional South American brewed drink.
Ustari and Messi shared the pitch in Argentina's victorious campaigns at the 2005 U-20 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The pair have appeared in 13 games alongside each other, with the latest being Ustari's debut for the Herons.
Speaking to news outlet TN, Ustari explained the circumstances of the meeting he had with the 37-year-old icon before his move. He said (via GOAL):
"I was always in contact with Leo. I never stopped being in contact with him. I had even been with him a few days before. We had some mate. And, the following week, this possibility arose."
"We remembered that moment. We were drinking mate, he was wearing Inter clothes and I was wearing civilian clothes, and the following week we were both on the pitch. That's the beauty of football," Ustari added.
Up next, Ustari and Messi could feature together when Inter Miami take on New England Revolution on October 19.
