<p>Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets are joining Inter Miami to compete, not for a holiday, the newly appointed coach of the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Gerardo Martino said.</p>.<p>The 60-year-old coached Messi and Busquets at Barcelona in 2013-14 before managing Argentina from 2014-16.</p>.<p>Record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, 36, opted not to renew his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain and will be reunited with former Barca team mate Busquets, who spent 18 years at Camp Nou.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/football/manchester-united-agree-deal-for-mason-mount-from-chelsea-1232479.html" target="_blank">Manchester United agree deal for Mason Mount from Chelsea</a></strong></p>.<p>Martino said during his introductory press conference on Thursday that both Messi and Busquets had spoken with him about coming to Miami to be successful.</p>.<p>"This happens to us even on a personal level; sometimes we associate the United States, Miami, holidays - this isn't that." he added. "We want to compete... they are not footballers who are going to come here to not compete."</p>.<p>Martino said he started talks with the David Beckham co-owned side even before Messi and Busquets confirmed their moves.</p>.<p>He replaced Phil Neville after the former Manchester United defender was sacked following a dismal run of 10 defeats and five wins left them bottom of the Eastern Conference.</p>.<p>"I always found this opportunity attractive ... let's just say that the presents arrived next," Martino said.</p>.<p>"I believe that MLS has a constant evolution, and the examples are the great soccer players from the United States who are playing in Europe and very good teams in Europe.</p>.<p>"(And) that the best player in the world decides to play in this league, obviously it will open up an even better panorama for that growth. I believe that the United States is not a country that misses out on this type of opportunity."</p>.<p>Messi is expected to make his debut for Miami on July 21 in a Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul. </p>
<p>Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets are joining Inter Miami to compete, not for a holiday, the newly appointed coach of the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Gerardo Martino said.</p>.<p>The 60-year-old coached Messi and Busquets at Barcelona in 2013-14 before managing Argentina from 2014-16.</p>.<p>Record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, 36, opted not to renew his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain and will be reunited with former Barca team mate Busquets, who spent 18 years at Camp Nou.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/football/manchester-united-agree-deal-for-mason-mount-from-chelsea-1232479.html" target="_blank">Manchester United agree deal for Mason Mount from Chelsea</a></strong></p>.<p>Martino said during his introductory press conference on Thursday that both Messi and Busquets had spoken with him about coming to Miami to be successful.</p>.<p>"This happens to us even on a personal level; sometimes we associate the United States, Miami, holidays - this isn't that." he added. "We want to compete... they are not footballers who are going to come here to not compete."</p>.<p>Martino said he started talks with the David Beckham co-owned side even before Messi and Busquets confirmed their moves.</p>.<p>He replaced Phil Neville after the former Manchester United defender was sacked following a dismal run of 10 defeats and five wins left them bottom of the Eastern Conference.</p>.<p>"I always found this opportunity attractive ... let's just say that the presents arrived next," Martino said.</p>.<p>"I believe that MLS has a constant evolution, and the examples are the great soccer players from the United States who are playing in Europe and very good teams in Europe.</p>.<p>"(And) that the best player in the world decides to play in this league, obviously it will open up an even better panorama for that growth. I believe that the United States is not a country that misses out on this type of opportunity."</p>.<p>Messi is expected to make his debut for Miami on July 21 in a Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul. </p>