Casemiro labels Messi a soccer ‘god’ as Brazilian previews playing with new Inter Miami teammate

Lionel Messi and Casimiro have yet to play a match together since the latter joined Inter Miami -Credit:Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Brazilian international Casemiro has become the latest in a rapidly growing list of high-profile names to have called Inter Miami home. The 34-year-old signed a deal with the Herons after the FIFA World Cup, joining through the 2027 MLS Sprint season, with the option for a further two years.

>In joining Miami, which is co-owned by fellow Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham, Casemiro will become one of the few players to have had the opportunity to play alongside two of the all-time greats in Cristiano Ronaldo and Miami’s Lionel Messi.

>Looking ahead to this prospect, with Messi having recently returned to training following Argentina’s run to the World Cup Final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, Casemiro called his new teammate and former El Clásico rival “one of the gods, if not the god of football.”

Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments • >Argentina World Cup Final red card rescinded, face potential FIFA disciplinary actionCasimiro recently described Messi as 'one of the gods, if not the god of football' -Credit:Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images“I've had two days around him now, and it's incredible. Having played against Leo before, I already knew he was impossible to stop, but these two days have given me a lot of motivation to keep growing, to keep winning.

>“Honestly, I'm enjoying this, and I'm glad I'm on his side of things now. I want to keep enjoying this moment.”

>Casemiro, who recently made his debut in a 1-0 win against CF Montréal, with Luis Suárez scoring the sole goal in Canada, is set to anchor the Herons’ midfield alongside another Argentina international in Rodrigo De Paul. The Brazilian will not only help provide much-needed protection for an often suspect defense, but also another attacking threat alongside Messi, Suárez, Mexico international Germán Berterame, and rising Argentina star Mateo Silvetti.

>Reflecting on his decision to join the MLS after leaving United following four seasons at Old Trafford, Casemiro explained, “It was a very important decision, especially because it was the first time in my career that I had the freedom to choose where I wanted to be.

>“I have always had a very special affection for the city, so MLS was a place where I would like to play one day. I am where I want to be. Without a doubt, I am very happy, also because of the effort they made to bring me here.”

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>Miami managing owner Jorge Mas also weighed in on Casemiro’s arrival, stating, “The signing of Casemiro, I think, captures the personality and DNA of Inter Miami. As everyone knows, we're a club that aspires to dream big, to be a reference club not just in this league, but globally.

>“We've tried, in our short history, to bring in world-class talent with a human profile, players who are part of this family project, because what I've always wanted Inter Miami to be, above all, is a family.”

>As for his thoughts on the MLS thus far, it seems Casemiro has been impressed with what he’s seen. “A lot of people think MLS is a league that still has a long way to grow, but you have to remember the best player of the last World Cup plays in this league,” he said.

>“Leo was the best player of the World Cup, and he's in MLS. So all I want to do is enjoy this, give everything to feel comfortable on the field, because for me he's the best player in the world, and he's arrived at this moment in his career.”

>Casemiro will look to help guide Miami to back-to-back MLS Cup triumphs, having claimed the title for the first time in franchise history last season under then-head coach Javier Mascherano. Currently, led by interim boss Guillermo Hoyos, Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Nashville SC after 17 games.