Casemiro hails Messi's 'incredible' commitment after Inter Miami's Leagues Cup exit

Casemiro, a recent signing for Inter Miami, lauded teammate Lionel Messi as an "example" of commitment after Messi made himself available for the team's Leagues Cup match against León, just days after the passing of his father.

"He is an example. Surely he is going through a very bad time, but he had a commitment not only to the players, but to the club, which was incredible; I had never seen that in my life. All we can do is thank him for being here," Casemiro said in the mixed zone after Inter Miami's 2-3 defeat. He emphasized that such dedication is a reason why Messi is considered "so great" and "one of the best in history, if not the best."

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He is an example. Surely he is going through a very bad time, but he had a commitment not only to the players, but to the club, which was incredible; I had never seen that in my life. All we can do is thank him for being here.

Messi played the second 45 minutes of the match, despite having traveled to Argentina with his family following his father's death on Saturday. His presence, however, was not enough to secure a victory for Inter Miami, who were eliminated from the Leagues Cup. The team, which won the tournament in 2023, now has only the MLS Cup remaining as a potential title this year.

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It's difficult, especially when you lose, but we know we have to keep growing. It was a competition I was really looking forward to winning.

"It's difficult, especially when you lose, but we know we have to keep growing. It was a competition I was really looking forward to winning," admitted Casemiro, who confessed the outcome left the team "shaken." The team's defensive fragility was evident, having conceded seven goals in their last three matches. Casemiro, who joined to bolster the defense, noted that "in football, everyone attacks and everyone defends."

Despite the cup exit, Casemiro expressed optimism about the team's standing in Major League Soccer (MLS), where Inter Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference. He reiterated that the club's demand is to win and lift trophies, a sentiment that was communicated to him upon his arrival.

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in football, everyone attacks and everyone defends.