Matias Rojas talks about his experience playing with Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Matias Rojas #7 of the Inter Miami CF celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the 48th minute against the New York Red Bulls during the second half in the game at DRV PNK Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
When Matias Rojas signed with Inter Miami last month, he gave a detailed account of what it’s like to play with Lionel Messi.
After weeks of speculation that ultimately resulted in Rojas signing for Inter Miami, where the 28-year-old forward has made an immediate impact, the Paraguay international officially joined the Herons in April.
After making his debut last weekend against the New England Revolution, where he was instrumental in Benjamin Cremaschi’s goal, Rojas advanced to play against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, where he scored two goals.
Now, Rojas has shared his thoughts on what it’s been like to play with Messi.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates a goal scored by Luis Suarez #9 against the New York Red Bulls during the second half in the game at DRV PNK Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Messi’s incredible performance at Inter Miami is praised by Rojas.
Speaking to Deporte Total USA, Rojas was all smiles as the Argentine forward recorded an MLS record five assists against the Red Bulls on Saturday night, earning him the title of player that the forward once hailed as the best of all time.
It was quite the night for the Paraguayan forward, who gave his thoughts on what it’s been like to play alongside his idol at Inter Miami after the match, scoring a hat-trick and praising Rojas.
#MLS | Matías Rojas: "El tope máximo del jugador de fútbol está en el gol"
El paraguayo decidió quedarse con la victoria del equipo y no con lo logrado a nivel individual con sus dos primeros goles.#InterMiamiCF #Paraguay 🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/iW3Wv3Cowa
— Deporte Total USA (@deportetotalusa) May 5, 2024
When asked how it feels to play next to Messi, Rojas responded, “It’s a big responsibility.” Playing with him can be approached in one of two ways: swimming or sinking. He is, in my view, the greatest in history.
“He solves all of that with what he does, so you can either play with the fact he won’t understand your pressure or you can let it go. It was unexpected for me to receive that pass toward my second goal, but it makes things simpler for you. You have to capitalize on that chemistry, and that’s exactly what the team and I did.
Rojas and Messi have quickly become friends.
The main factor contributing to Inter Miami’s success with Messi on the team has been the group’s ability to gel with the Argentine sensation in spite of Messi’s inexperience.
And in just two games, Rojas has done just that with the 36-year-old forward; the former Corinthians standout has produced incredible results while playing well off his Inter Miami teammate.
In fact, Rojas is quickly rising to prominence for Inter Miami, and his performance against the Red Bulls ranks among his finest of the past few seasons for both the team and the nation.
