Lionel Messi can TRANSFORM Inter Miami, claims new teammate Josef Martinez

Josef Martinez says he can’t wait to partner Lionel Messi in the Inter Miami attack and claims the Argentina star can transform the entire team with his presence.

Speaking after a team practice session on Wednesday, where co-owner David Beckham could be seen showing off his skills, Miami’s striker could barely contain his excitement at Messi’s arrival.

Messi landed in Miami on Tuesday and is expected to be officially announced by Miami on Thursday. The team will then unveil him in a ceremony on Sunday night. 

Martinez, a Venezuela international, said that for the time being he is in the same position as fans and media as he awaits Messi’s arrival.

Martinez urged his Miami team to learn from the impending arrival of the World Cup winner

World Cup winner Messi is expected to be unveiled as a Miami player later on Thursday 

‘It’s a big change,’ Martinez was quoted as saying to reporters. ‘Not for the club but for the city too. We must enjoy.

‘The day that [Lionel Messi] is here, I will be able to tell you a little more.

‘He has an impact on a country, he will definitely have an impact with his presence on this young team.’

Martinez, who has scored over 100 MLS goals across the course of his career, added: ‘We have to try to learn from a person like him.’ 

Miami are in desperate need for an injection of Messi’s star quality. 

The team is last in the standings for the Eastern Conference of MLS and is eight points away from the playoffs. 

It has been 10 games since Miami last won in the league although after seven straight defeats, 

Next, they face Western Conference leaders St Louis on Saturday, the day before Messi’s unveiling. 

David Beckham was at Inter Miami’s training session Wednesday ahead of Messi’s arrival

Miami co-owner Beckham is in town ahead of Messi’s official arrival this week 

The 36-year-old striker Messi is then expected to make his Miami debut on July 21 against Cruz Azul in the newly formed Leagues Cup.  

‘My mentality and my head are not going to change and I am going to try, wherever I have to be, give my best for myself and my new club, continue to perform at the highest level,’ Messi told television in his native Argentina, via ESPN.

Speaking of his family moving to the United States, he added: ‘We are happy with the decision we made. Prepared and eager to face the new challenge, the new change.’

Messi and his family have been on vacation in the Bahamas ahead of his States switch.