Lionel Messi has officially found a new best friend at Inter Miami, as he hits it off with teammate Josef Martinez.
In Messi’s first training session with the Herons, Martinez is right by Messi’s side, engaging in plenty of conversation with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Venezuelan is clearly loving rubbing shoulders with his new teammate, and the two are sitting next to each other on the substitutes bench at the DRV PNK Stadium for the Leagues Cup clash against Cruz Azul.
They were then introduced at the exact same time in the second half, along with former Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets.
Messi goes on to score an incredible 94th-minute free-kick winner for Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino’s side, truly announcing his arrival in the United States.
The 36-year-old dedicates the goal and win to teammate Ian Fray after he suffers more injury heartache in the game.
But Messi and another new colleague in Martinez already appear to be best buds, as footage shows the former Atlanta United man lowering the seat in front of the Barcelona legend so he has a better view from the bench.
Josef Martinez bajando el asiento de adelante para que Messi pueda ver bien el partido. Nace una amistad 😅pic.twitter.com/ND2aJo1NcU
— Pablo Giralt (@giraltpablo) July 22, 2023
Compatriots Sergio Aguero and Rodrigo De Paul are two of Messi’s best pals but fans reckon Martinez might just be giving them a run for their money.
One said: “Messi has found his club’s De Paul.”
A second joked: “Someone should check on Rodrigo De Paul.”
A third added: “My favorite friendship.”
Another commented: “That guy be treating Messi well since arrival.. Even in training.”
A fifth admitted: “Listen man I’d be begging it too if I was playing alongside the greatest human to ever kick ball.”
Messi and Martinez showed some promising link-up play when they graced the pitch and even combined for a goal, only for it to be ruled offside.
When Messi rushed off to celebrate his last-gasp worldie, Martinez was the first man to embrace him.
The MLS record breaker had been heavily linked with Premier League newcomers Luton Town, but he’s unlikely to be tempted now that he has Messi by his side.