Lionel Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami has revolutionized MLS. Not only did the Argentine star make fans around the country go crazy to watch him live, but his presence has also inspired other colleagues in the league. Brazilian winger Talles Magno, for instance, has recently told MLS Multiplex how much he enjoyed facing the 36-year-old in “La Noche d’Or,” a friendly match organized by the South Florida team against New York City FC to celebrate Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or win in 2023.
“It was an incredible experience,” Magno said. “Sharing the field with Messi was a unique moment in my career, and the result of the game was even better. I managed to help my teammates by scoring a goal and providing an assist in a game that the whole world was watching. It’s another special moment that will be marked forever. I did talk to him (referring to Messi), but we didn’t have a deep conversation. I greeted him, and we had a quick exchange. The most interesting was coming back from halftime. We were winning with a goal from me, and as we returned to the field, he was beside me, he looked at me, and I looked at him, and he laughed, saying: ‘dale, dale!’ (Which means ‘let’s go, let’s go!’ in English). But it was a very simple exchange, nothing special.”
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Talles Magno aims to continue growing in MLS
The Rio de Janeiro-born player set foot in the United States in 2021, when he left Vasco da Gama for nearly €7.3 million. Since then, the 21-year-old went on to make 97 appearances for the Big Apple team, recording 18 goals and 11 assists.
What a header from Talles Magno!
The Pigeons double their lead over Orlando. pic.twitter.com/i68fvEXXeO
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 21, 2023
In 2023, he put up four goals and two assists in 30 MLS matches. In the same interview with MLS Multiplex, Talles Magno said he aims to keep on developing at New York City FC, where he’s under contract through the 2026 season.
“My goal is to continue building a good career, winning titles, helping my teammates, improving my performance, and evolving more and more on the field,” he said.
Samba Gold 2023: Open voting!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!
