The athlete from the fourth-tier league now aids Lionel Messi.
In Germany, Julian Gressel has never played a game in the top three leagues. However, he's living his big soccer dream this season in Major League Soccer, where he's playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
When Julian Gressel talks about his current life, he often uses one word - "crazy." This word seems to sum up his experiences perfectly. He also has a smiling, playful expression on his face, reminiscent of a lottery winner.
Gressel is effectively a lottery winner in sports terms. He's been playing in North America's professional Major League Soccer since 2017 and has even won the local championship twice in 2018 and 2023. But this season is unique. This year, Gressel is wearing the pink jersey of Inter Miami, and Inter Miami has Lionel Messi. As a midfielder, Gressel is the man behind Messi in Miami. This is incredible.
From fourth-division player to Messi teammate
"Leo" is how Gressel refers to Messi, and it sounds both casual and familiar. It's hard to believe he's not discussing a former teammate at FC Eintracht Bamberg. Gressel played 32 games for this Franconian club in the 2012/13 season in the Bavarian regional league.
His opponents back then included FV Illertissen, SV Seligenporten, and SC Eltersdorf - all teams in the fourth division. Gressel didn't find it fulfilling enough in Germany, so he now travels around North America with Lionel Messi and even the world.
Gressel spoke about Messi's playing style, "It's incredible how he plays." While this observation might seem commonplace, given Messi's 20-year history of amazing, unique, and unforgettable performances, it's still a sign of Gressel's awe.
He's magical, brilliant, and entertaining
At the age of 36, Messi still puts on a show for fans, whether in front of 70,000 spectators in massive American football stadiums or crowded clubs. Gressel is not watching him only on TV or in the stands but up close and personal, seeing him on the field, in the locker room, and on buses and planes. "Having this close-up view is fantastic," says the 30-year-old with a note of appreciation in his voice.
Gressel serves as a link between the stars at Inter Miami - Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez - and the younger players. Gressel has been in America since 2013, starting with four years at Providence College's university team in Rhode Island. He then moved to Atlanta United in the MLS.
Miami, America's most exciting soccer venue
His former Atlanta coach is now his coach at Miami - Gerardo "Tata" Martino. The 61-year-old handled Messi at FC Barcelona in 2013/14 and with the Argentinian national team for three years. The attraction of Inter Miami as a soccer destination in the US is due to Messi's move last summer, making the club extremely popular with players and fans alike.
Gressel has seen and felt the Messi that others don't. He's witnessed Messi's behavior in the locker room, team meetings, and on the bus to the stadium. In other words, when there's no media around. He knows how special Messi finds all the attention he gets. Messi always has a smile on his face and appreciates the cheers and fans who wait for him outside his hotel.
No jokes about the 2014 World Cup final
Gressel mentioned how Messi takes the attention in stride, getting a warm reaction from fans and appreciating it. Gressel recalled how Messi responded to jibes about missing a penalty in the 2014 World Cup final against Holland. Instead of getting angry, Messi just smiled and said, "Just forget about it, and continue playing." This humble attitude of Messi resonates with Gressel.
However, Gressel politely declined to speculate on the famous miss, saying it's better to focus on the positive aspects of Messi's career. The fans, and Gressel, prefer to celebrate his skills rather than rehash old controversies. After all, Messi has earned his status as one of the greatest players, and his impact at Inter Miami has only heightened his legend.
Not only are Miami winners in the MLS, but with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scoring a total of ten goals each, it's no surprise. Co-owner David Beckham's club is leading the charts after twelve games. Who'd have thought the guy who couldn't make it through Germany's fourth division would become such a powerhouse in North America? Could this be Messi's third MLS championship? If so, he'll be as successful as Franz Beckenbauer who bagged three championships with New York Cosmos in the NASL. Absolutely bonkers!
According to Gressel, the man we all know for his incredible soccer skills is actually quite "normal." Messi's got a sense of humor, loves a good joke, and can even handle a bit of friendly banter - except for one thing. Gressel mentions that he needs to tread carefully when talking about the 2014 World Cup final against Germany when Argentina came up short, losing 1-0 after extra time. Why? Because it still stings for Messi, despite leading Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022.
Read also:
- Prodigies of sport: Littler's predecessors
- Nagelsmann's announcement: A restless Christmas for national team players
- What sports fans prefer to watch on television
- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
In Major League Soccer, Julian Gressel is currently playing alongside soccer superstar Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Despite once being a fourth-division player in Germany, Gressel now finds himself in the same team as the Major League Soccer debutant of Messi.
Source: www.ntv.de
