Lionel Messi’s ‘Grain of Sand’ Helped Bring Oscar Ustari to Inter Miami

Reuniting the Argentine legends in Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi had a little but substantial influence in Inter Miami’s choice to sign goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

Oscar Ustari, a free agent who had previously played alongside Messi, was added by Inter Miami to bolster their goalkeeping ranks at the beginning of September. Together, they won the 2008 Olympic Games and the U20 World Cup for Argentina. This friendship has since extended to the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Messi’s Influence in the Transfer

Speaking to TN, Ustari revealed that Messi had a part to play in his transfer to Inter Miami. Messi, who is known to have some say in the club’s decisions, added his support for Ustari’s signing, believing the goalkeeper had all the qualities needed to contribute to the team. Ustari recalled:

“I was in Mexico when Tata [Martino] called me. It was on August 28, my father’s birthday. (He told me that) I met all the conditions. Leo was able to contribute his grain of sand, also believing that I have all the conditions to be where I am today.”