The group leader is here! Rakitic: Messi is a calm leader, a small gesture means a lot to us

The Rest Is Football released an exclusive interview with Rakitic yesterday, in which Rakitic talked about Messi.

You and Messi have played together in more than 300 games. Now we see that he is a true leader both on and off the field. Is he always like this on and off the field?

Rakitic: "First of all, I would like to congratulate Messi on the contract extension. I think this is a good thing for the whole football world, not only for Messi or the fans of Inter Miami, but also for everyone who wants to continue to appreciate his game in the coming years. Congratulations to Beckham and everyone in Miami Man, it's great.

Yes my idea is to join Barcelona, but of course, playing with Messi is the most special thing. He is a player who can change the game and the way he understands football is different.

I think what he is doing in MLS. It's amazing. Maybe MLS is not the biggest league in the world, but he has the ability to make it a great and unique league. I don't think there's anyone like him in the world anymore. I played more than 300 games with Messi, which is incredible. Thank you for taking care of me over the years. I can’t say that we are very close friends because I don’t text him every day or chat with him on WhatsApp, but I respect him a lot and I just want to thank him for all the time we spent together.”

What is Messi like off the court?

Rakitic: I think he is a calm leader, unlike Xavi who rushes to speak. I think you can see in Messi's eyes that he's ready and that's enough.

I have told Messi many times that a small gesture means a lot to us. I think we can see that now in Miami, how Messi has taken Miami from last to first.