"We are fans of Brazil, of the beautiful game" – Lionel Messi's ex-Inter Miami teammate reacts after joining new club

Inter Miami attacker Emerson Rodriguez has expressed his elation after moving to Vasco da Gama on a temporary switch from Lionel Messi's side earlier this month.

Rodriguez, 23, joined Inter Miami in a permanent move worth close to €2.5 million from Colombian outfit Millonarios in the winter of 2022. He scored two goals in 25 overall appearances for the Herons before spending loan spells at Santos Laguna and Millonarios.

Now, Rodriguez has opened up on his third loan switch away from Messi's outfit in a recent interaction with Vasco da Gama's official website. The Colombian said (h/t Inter Miami News):

"I thank God for the opportunity and Vasco for opening the door for me, I am very happy. Playing here has always been a dream for me and my family. We are fans of Brazil, of the beautiful game. I am happy and ready to help the team and contribute on the field."

Rodriguez, who has started just four games for the Herons, continued:

"This is a beautiful club, a team with incredible fans and I believe we will achieve great things. It is a beautiful moment. I arrive with a great attitude, with the best energy and with a great desire to play, to show why I am here. I will give my best."

Earlier in July, Vasco da Gama also signed Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho, who played alongside Messi during his time at Barcelona.

Inter Miami manager shares injury update on Lionel Messi after Copa America victory

Earlier on July 14, Lionel Messi picked up an ankle injury in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final. The 37-year-old was substituted off in the 66th minute of the summit clash.

A recent official statement from Inter Miami read (h/t Times Now):

"Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi. After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that [the player] has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery."

Now, Herons manager Gerardo Martino has provided an update on the left-footed superstar's recent ankle problem. He said (h/t Times Now):

"The club's medical report came out and the new information regarding when he could come back is that he will be evaluated week by week and we will see what his recovery is like. We won't be taking any type of risk."

So far, the Barcelona legend has found the back of the opposition net 25 times and laid out 16 assists in 29 overall matches for the Herons.