Martino says Messi and Busquets are not in Miami for an easy ride

New Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino insists Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have not joined the Major League Soccer outfit for "holidays".

The vastly experienced coach, known commonly as Tata, will link up with the duo again having managed them at Barcelona during the 2013-14 campaign.

Like his two new charges, the 60-year-old boasts a CV that could have commanded more prestigious roles but he has been quick to stamp out talk of anyone taking things easy in Florida.

Tata told journalists at his first press conference: "When we spoke with Leo, yesterday I spoke with Sergio, we talked about arriving to have success, to compete and compete well.

"This happens to us even on a personal level, sometimes we associate the United States, Miami with holidays — this isn't that. 

"We want to compete. They are not footballers who are going to come here to not compete."

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Part of the plan

On a personal level, the wily tactician is about to embark on his second stint in the US having led Atlanta United to their first ever MLS Cup win back in 2018.

It appeared he had been sounded out for the job having managed Messi previously with both Barca and Argentina, though talks had actually been ongoing for some time.

He explained: "I started the talks before [the additions of Messi and Busquets].

"I always found this opportunity attractive. Let's just say that the presents arrived next."

Martino replaces Phil Neville in the hotseat, with the former England defender having been relieved of his duties at the start of this month.

Messi is still on track to make his Miami debut in mid-July as he looks to help his new club move off the bottom of the Eastern Conference.