Liga MX’s Messi mates
Lionel Messi has coincided with players and coaches who have been in Liga MX, sharing locker rooms with several figures in Mexican soccer.
Following his move to Inter Miami, Germán Berterame is set to join an exclusive group of Liga MX players and coaches who had the honor of sharing a locker room with Lionel Messi.
Liga MX stars who played with Messi
The most recent example is Sergio Ramos, who spent 2025 with Monterrey. The former Real Madrid star was Lionel Messi’s teammate at Paris Saint‑Germain from 2021 to 2023, adding another chapter to his storied international career alongside the Argentine legend.
Among Messi’s Argentine compatriots are Óscar Ustari, the former Atlas goalkeeper, and Nicolás Freire, the defender who played for Pumas; both shared time with Messi at Miami. They are joined by William Yarbrough, a two‑time Liga MX champion with León and recent MLS Cup winner with the Florida franchise.
With the senior national team, Messi crossed paths in friendlies, Copa América tournaments, and the 2018 World Cup qualifiers with several players tied to Mexico, including Nahuel Guzmán, Agustín Marchesín, and Guido Pizarro. He also shared the field with Ángel Correa.
Messi’s official debut with the Argentine national team came in August 2005 against Hungary. Among his teammates that day were César “Chelito” Delgado and Luciano Figueroa - both former Cruz Azul standouts - who were regular call‑ups under Marcelo Bielsa and José Pekerman.
Later, during qualification for the 2010 World Cup, he shared the field with Federico Insúa, formerly of Club América, as well as Pachuca and Atlante figures Christian Giménez and Federico Vilar, though they did not all overlap in actual match minutes.
Liga MX coaches who managed Messi
Several coaches with Liga MX ties have also worked directly with Messi. Gabriel Milito (Chivas), Fernando Gago (Chivas and Necaxa), and Martín Demichelis (Monterrey) all spent time alongside him during World Cups and CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Another name on the list is Domènec Torrent, Pep Guardiola’s longtime assistant and now the manager of Monterrey, who shared the Barcelona locker room with Messi during the Blaugrana’s historic six‑trophy year in 2009.
Mexicans who played with Messi
Messi also spent key stretches of his career alongside notable Mexican players, including Rafael Márquez in the 2000s, as well as brothers Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos - both of whom later joined Club América - helping forge a unique connection between Liga MX talent and the Argentine superstar.
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