INTER MIAMI
Inter Miami’s David Ruiz learning from Lionel Messi
Ruiz is enjoying his stint alongside Lionel Messi in Tata Martino’s Inter Miami squad.
David Ruiz is living his own dream. In March, the 19-year-old made his long-awaited debut in MLS after moving from Inter Miami II to their first team.
Two months later, the Honduras U-20 international signed a contract to join the squad now coached by Tata Martino. He has recently got minutes during the Leagues Cup, as Inter Miami won the competition thanks to the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Co.
Messi’s advice for David Ruiz
Ruiz scored Inter Miami’s fourth goal in the 4-1 win over Philadelphia. In that semi-final, which took place last Tuesday, the midfielder came on in the 74th minute and just 10 minutes were enough for him to make his mark.
After that goal, the player born in the United States spoke in an interview with local media and admitted that the club’s new talisman, Messi, had given him some advice before he entered the field of play.
“One thing Messi told me is to stand still more. You want to run for every ball, look for space to have it more, but he has told me to stay still in my position and the ball will come to me,” Ruiz said.
And he was able to take advantage of Messi’s suggestion: “I tried it and it came off. I was more patient,” he added.
Ruiz against Nashville SC
Martino previously said that younger players had to be brought into the squad gradually and Ruiz is one of them. On Saturday, in the final against Nashville SC, he had the chance to play another handful of minutes, coming on in the 82nd minute in place of Finnish player Robert Taylor.
The length of the penalty shootout forced Ruiz to be one of Inter Miami’s penalty takers. And he did not disappoint. He took the ninth spot-kick and managed to score before his side lifted the trophy.
On his Instagram account, he has displayed several photos celebrating with Messi and even got the Argentine magician to sign his shirt.