Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, has described life in Major League Soccer as more laid-back compared to his years in European football.
Speaking with Spanish outlet SPORT, the 38-year-old football icon said he is enjoying a new sense of calm and balance in Florida, far from the intense scrutiny he experienced throughout his European career.
“We enjoy the day to day in a different way, more relaxed, without so much pressure, without having the expectation,” Messi said.
He explained that while the desire to win remains strong, the environment in MLS allows for a more peaceful lifestyle.
“Obviously, we want [to win] but the pressure is different and that makes it more relaxed too and we enjoy more about the family, the boys, being able to come after training, to be able to have them come to the games, to spend much longer at home, to get home and not think so much about soccer and think more about something else,” the Argentine said.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Messi admitted that football once had a strong influence on his mood.
“That makes you live in a different way because it happened to me many times that the result and the day to day controlled my spirits a little and well, sometimes I came home grumpy and it was different, so we are fine here,” he added.
