David Ruiz has revealed Lionel Messi’s tactical tips since joining Inter Miami.
In the weeks since Messi joined MLS, Miami has changed. Miami had won only one of their previous 10 matches before Messi arrived.
The 36-year-old helped Miami win all seven Leagues Cup games, including two on penalties, with the title. Messi scored 10 goals in 7 outings.
Attention has turned from the Leagues Cup to US domestic trophies. After a 3-3 draw, Miami won the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday in a penalty shootout over FC Cincinnati.
Messi produced two assists but failed to score for the first time since his Inter Miami debut on July 21. One comrade has shared how the World Cup champion has affected the roster.
Ruiz reached the first team through the Miami academy. And the 19-year-old prospect disclosed Messi’s technical suggestions to better his game.
“One thing Messi told me is to stand still more,” Ruiz told Goal. “You want to sprint for every ball and look for space to get it, but he advised me to stand motionless and the ball will come to me.
‘I tried it and it came off. Was more patient.”
Since making his club debut in March, Ruiz has scored two goals in 21 games. Messi scored again in the 4-1 Leagues Cup semi-final triumph over Philadelphia Union.
Miami is prepared for their first MLS game since last month. On July 16, Miami lost 3-0 to St. Louis SC in their previous league game before Messi’s debut.
Inter Miami will be different in the second half of the MLS season. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Messi will want to help Miami climb the table under new manager Gerardo Martino.
The team is last in the Eastern Conference with 18 points from 22 games. Miami’s next opponent is the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.
