Bright Reflects on Journey and Experiences with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Bright’s journey in professional football began in Serie D with Arconatese before he ventured to the United States to pursue a collegiate athletic career. In 2024, he joined Inter Miami and celebrated becoming an MLS champion, joining an elite group of Italian players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Verratti, and Gianluca Zambrotta, who have also won trophies alongside Lionel Messi. Bright recently recounted his awe-inspiring first encounter with the World Cup winner, describing Messi’s transformation into a fierce competitor on the field.

In an interview with Gazzetta, Bright shared his impressions of Messi: “Leo is incredibly humble and possesses an extraordinary presence. I vividly recall the first time I met him; I was almost overwhelmed despite my attempts to prepare myself mentally. He approaches us as an ordinary person but emerges as a true leader, always knowing the right words to motivate us before matches. His professionalism is exemplary, with a meticulous focus on detail.

“On the field, he becomes an entirely different character. Even at 38, after achieving so much, he remains fiercely competitive, refusing to accept defeat, even in practice. Off the pitch, he maintains a strong rapport with the entire team.

“We share a good camaraderie as teammates; we frequently discuss football, and he shares insights about his family while inquiring about mine. His support over the past two years has been invaluable, both on and off the pitch. He has expressed his fondness for Italy and reminisced about his experiences at San Siro. I was present in the stands during Barcelona’s victory against Milan in 2011, thanks to my brother’s involvement in the youth team.

Bright also reflected on the experience of sharing a locker room with football greats such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, alongside Messi. He stated, “The dedication they exhibit to every detail is remarkable. For instance, during a training session, Jordi Alba emphasized the importance of precision when I delivered a perfect pass, but it lacked the necessary speed, requiring him to make an additional adjustment. Despite their high standards, they effortlessly blend into the team and exhibit great humility. I was thrilled when Leo and Jordi acknowledged that I possess the qualities to succeed in Europe.

“I found a special connection with Sergio Busquets, given that we play similar roles. He has encouraged me to incorporate aspects of his style into my game, even though our playing styles are quite different. While he is more technical, I tend to be grittier. Mimicking his gameplay is nearly impossible! (laughs) We often discuss American football and even participate in a fantasy football league together. I will genuinely miss him now that he has retired.

Furthermore, Bright mentioned his interactions with Inter Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, stating, “Javier Mascherano is exceptionally relatable; he has a unique ability to connect with players on a personal level. He motivates me to channel my determination to compensate for Sergio’s departure. Beckham exemplifies true leadership; he always engages with us individually before matches, instilling confidence.

Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for February 22, where they will face LAFC in their opening game of the 2026 MLS season, featuring an exciting matchup between Messi and Son Heung-min, following the South Korean star’s transfer from Tottenham to the United States last summer.