Casemiro has praised Lionel Messi for making himself available for Inter Miami just four days after the death of his father, describing the Argentina captain’s commitment to the club as something he had “never seen” before.
Messi returned to action as a second-half substitute in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Club Leon in the early hours of the day, despite not having trained with the team since his father died on the previous Saturday.
The 37-year-old forward had travelled to Argentina with his family after the bereavement, but made himself available for Inter Miami’s decisive group-stage fixture.
His return, however, could not prevent Inter Miami from being eliminated from the competition. They lost 3-2 to Club Leon, ending their Leagues Cup campaign at the group stage.
Casemiro said Messi’s decision to play was an example of the standards he sets for himself and those around him.
“He is an example to follow. I am sure he is going through an extremely difficult time, but his commitment, not only to the players but also to the club, was amazing; I have never seen anyone like him in my life. All we can do is thank him for being here,” Casemiro said, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Brazil midfielder added that such moments helped explain why Messi is regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.
“That is one of the reasons for his greatness. He is one of the best players in history, if not the best,” Casemiro said.
Messi came on for the second half against Club Leon, with Inter Miami needing a positive result to continue their progress in the Leagues Cup. The defeat left the club frustrated after their early exit from a competition they had hoped to win.
The match was Messi’s first appearance for Inter Miami since the death of his father, who passed away four days earlier. His decision to return so quickly was viewed by Casemiro as a significant gesture towards both his team-mates and the club.
Casemiro also reflected on Inter Miami’s disappointment after the result, saying the squad would have to use the setback as motivation to improve.
“It is difficult, especially when you lose, but we know we have to keep improving. It was a competition I really wanted to win, and the result left us extremely disappointed,” he said.
Inter Miami’s elimination means their Leagues Cup ambitions have ended at the group stage, despite Messi’s return to the squad and his involvement in the second half against Club Leon.
