INTER MIAMI'S fitness coach has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi's training habits.
Ben Young, 37, moved to David Beckham's MLS franchise in January 2023 after stints with England's men's and women's teams.
Messi, 36, left European football behind last summer when he ditched Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami.
But if any fans think that the Argentine superstar has taken his foot off the pedal, Miami insider Young begs to differ.
Discussing the 2022 World Cup winner with the Mirror, he said: "Messi is first in, last out, a true professional.
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"He does his own individual activation and strength sessions, he will even be in training the next day after being away in an international camp in Argentina.
"He’s in his rhythm, his routine and that is why he’s at the top and has stayed there.
"He ticks all the boxes, he pushes himself but also does all his recovery work.
"We always want to make sure that the players can thrive in the most intense parts of the game and you do that by the training we expose them to.
"We systematically expose the players to various training stimuli that mimic the demand of the game and when appropriate we exceed the game demands to ensure they are completely prepared for the toughest of moments.
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"To offset this work we are also continually educating the players on the importance of recovery, nutrition and make sure your recovery is good and sleep in that process to make sure they can keep training and playing at that intensity.
"Messi is getting individual treatment, massage and recovery which shows the importance of having people close to you who you can rely on."
Having studied Sports Science at the University of Gloucestershire, Young began his career at Saracens under Eddie Jones.
He then landed a gig with the Lionesses, assisting them at two World Cups.
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After heading to Qatar with the Three Lions' men's team, he moved on to work with Inter Miami.
Six months after Young's arrival Stateside, Inter managed to land Messi.
Messi is first in, last out, a true professional.
Ben Young
The likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez have since followed.
Messi has been a resounding success since moving to MLS.
He has scored 25 goals in 29 games for Inter Miami - including 12 in 12 MLS appearances this term.
Tata Martino's side are top of the Eastern Conference after 18 games.
Messi also led his side to Leagues Cup glory last year - scoring in the final against Nashville last August.
