Cristian Espinoza warns focus on Messi could harm Inter Miami’s title chances

San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristián Espinoza recalled meeting the Inter Miami star for the first time as a teenager on international duty with Argentina.

A couple of years ago, during the run-up to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Cristián Espinoza told AS USA Latinothat having Messi did not guarantee that Argentina would be crowned champions. Two years on, Messi was lured to MLS after having finally lifted the trophy that Argentine fans dreamed of.

Speaking to AS USA Latino this week, Espinoza discussed the start of the San Jose Earthquakes season. He and also took the opportunity to relive the great moment of watching the Albiceleste lifting the world Cup and what it meant to him as an Argentinean.

“For me, as an Argentinean, it was one of the greatest joys to be able to see Messi lifting the World Cup. It was the only thing he needed to crown himself as the best player of all time in front of millions of people. For me and a lot of other people, his status was never in any doubt - it was already undisputed. The World Cup put him in a place where it could never be erased. Having Messi in Major League Soccer is spectacular. His arrival brings both him and MLS a lot of exposure worldwide,” Espinoza told AS USA Latino.

While he never got to play along Messi as a team mate, Espinoza will never forget the magical moment when he met the former Barcelona player face to face. And better still, he also had the opportunity to train with him. “When I was just 17 years old, I was called up by Argentina. The younger players were like sparring partner for the senior side. Some time later in Spain, I had the opportunity to face him” the player said, referring to his time at Villarreal.

Espinoza made 11 appearances with the Under-20s but