Ian Fray Returns Favour to Lionel Messi, Dedicates Inter Miami's Supporters' Shield 2024 Victory to Him Remembering Argentina Star's Heartfelt Gesture Last Season
While everyone lauded Lionel Messi’s impact on the field and dedicated Inter Miami’s success to him there is a silver lining to Ian Fray’s story as the young US International also dedicated the team’s recent trophy to the Argentine star. Here’s the complete story.
Lionel Messi shocked the world when he decided to join MLS (Major League Soccer) side Inter Miami as a free agent last season. A player of his calibre and status was a misfit in the bottom-placed side, but Messi’s entry into the Miami-based franchise changed everything – not just for the club but for the league. Messi uplifted the team’s performance on the field and even his addition brought in some talented stars like Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. MrBeast to Collaborate With Lionel Messi to Beat Cristiano Ronaldo in YouTube War? Here’s What Famous YouTuber Said.
While his on-field ‘magic’ is very obvious and visible to everyone, Messi’s impact off the field was also commendable. The 2022 World Cup winner, keeping aside his megastar status gelled well with the young Inter Miami side and helped them to win the club’s first ever trophy – the 2023 Leagues Cup title. During the presentation also Messi took Inter Miami’s former captain with him to accept the trophy highlighting his true nature as a team player. Inter Miami debutant Ian Fray had a similar experience, to which he returned the favour to Lionel Messi a season later – in 2024.
Lionel Messi’s Heartfelt Gesture in Ian Fray’s Debut Season
As mentioned earlier, Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami CF on the field and off the field equally with his actions. While he led the side to the 2023 Leagues Cup title with 10 goals and multiple assists on the field, he also strengthened the team bonding with his actions. During the 2023 Leagues Cup celebrations, Messi had Ian Fray’s jersey in his hand – who was missing from the celebration due to a season-ending ACL injury in his very first year with Inter Miami. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Set To Participate in FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Report.
Ian Fray returned to the side and played his part well in the club’s recent success in the MLS 2024 season. The side won the Supporters’ Shield trophy beating the closest competitor team Columbus Crew. As everyone was celebrating the win and lauding Messi’s impact on the side, Ian Fray also dedicated Inter Miami's Supporters' Shield 2024 victory to Lionel Messi remembering La Pulga’s act last season.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2024 05:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).