"This is the commitment he has in his DNA" - Inter Miami star not surprised by Lionel Messi's showing in Club World Cup opener

Inter Miami attacker Luis Suarez has lauded Lionel Messi's performance in the Herons' first game in the FIFA Club World Cup. Javier Mascherano's side opened their Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly.

Both goalkeepers had excellent games, especially Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari who saved a penalty from Al Ahly midfielder Trezeguet. Lionel Messi had an impressive game even though he could not register his name on the scoresheet.

The diminutive Argentine had five shots on goal with two on target, created two chances, hit the woodwork once, registered three successful dribbles out of an attempted four, and won eigh duels.

Following the game, Luis Suarez lavished praise on teammate Messi and claimed that he was not surprised with the Argentine's display. He hailed the 37-year-old superstar for his work ethic and tireless running leading Inter Miami's press. The Urugyayan said, as quoted by GOAL:

"We know how Leo deals with this type of tournament, thanks to his experience. It's an important challenge for him, and we have to support him. We also know the difficulties and complexity of the tournament. We will try to continue to benefit from these matches to continue the team's growth."

Suarez added:

"What Messi did didn't surprise me at all. I already know him, and for me, that's the commitment that's in his DNA, the desire to win every competition he enters. Despite his age (37), he's usually the first one to try to press at Inter Miami."

The former Barcelona and Liverpool striker concluded:

"I think that should be an added advantage for the others; that we press and try to run as much as we can so that we can help the team. He has to convey that kind of detail to everyone so that we can achieve what we want, which is to move forward.”

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will be up against Portuguese side FC Porto in their next group stage game on 19 June. They will take on Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the final game of the group stage on 23 June.

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When Cesc Fabregas picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Como manager Cesc Fabregas once gave a firm response when he was asked to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two superstars of the modern game have divided the football world into two sections over the last two decades.

In an interview in 2018, Fabregas heaped praise on Ronaldo but insisted that Lionel Messi was on another level. He also claimed that the Argentine is the most complete footballer in the history of the game. He said, via GOAL:

“For me, Leo will always be the best player ever, with or without the World Cup. Of course, I know when we talk in 20 or 30 years, if you win the World Cup, the future generations who do not watch him now will be even more clear on the fact Leo was the best because they can say ‘he won a World Cup’. But people who have played with him or know about football will tell you he is the best and the most complete player ever. Cristiano is fantastic and everyone admires him for what he does, the guy is a competitor. "

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder added:

“But talent-wise and when we talk about the complete player, Leo became the best goalscorer ever, became the best passer ever, he can score with both feet, his head, he can dribble around four players. He has vision to make assists, he is the most complete ever, no doubt. People want to put Leo up against Cristiano and of course they both need each other to make themselves better, but we are talking about different teams, different groups, different moments. I think they just respect each other and get on with it. It’s been going on too long for either of them to get annoyed by it.”

Lionel Messi will arguably go down in the history books as the greatest footballer of all time. He is the most decorated footballer of all time winning a record 45 trophies and has also won the Ballon d'Or for a record eight times.