Leonardo Campana: I was born to win, and with Inter Miami we are here to be champions in everything

Ecuadorian Leonardo Campana, ‘the other Leo’ As some affectionately call him, he is one of Inter Miami FC’s fittest menand with three goals in the last two games, he does not hide his belief that, with Leo Messi at the helm, his club goes for everything.

“Inter Miami will be champions in all three things (Leagues Cup, MLS and US Open Cup)“I have no doubt that’s the mentality we all have, I can’t get three championships out of my head,” Campana said.

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Following September 27it will be the second title in the club’s history, against Houston Dynamo, in the US Open Cup final.

Inter Miami is undefeated since Messi arrived, they won the title and are in another final. It must be hard to assimilate. Are you still in the cloud?

one hundred percent, i I learned all this recently in Los Angeles, we got on the bus, went to the stadium. Leo was drinking mate and I asked him if he would give it to me. We started drinking it, I looked at the mate and saw that there were children’s names on it and it was as if everything came crashing down on me. I believe that we are all the same here, there are those who still do not assimilate it. Yes, it takes some time to assimilate everything we experience.

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What changed to make you a fight for everyone from the last one?

He believe for the simple fact of playing with Leo, Jordi Alba and Busi (Sergi Busquets). The confidence level of many players has been raised. The fact of Playing with these big three gives you confidence, knowing that you will jump into the field and achieve a positive result. The level of competitiveness, the mentality they impose in every training session and in every game eventually infects you.

Do they talk in the locker room about the challenge of playing in the playoffs?

Professional staff and players We talked and we are going game by game. Last time against Kansas City, we were focused on that, and it was the same in the past against Los Angeles, we won and started to push. We don’t see the table.

What is this Inter Miami for?

I have no doubt that I will be a champion in all three things that this is the mentality we all have, I was born to winI don’t like to lose and I can’t get those three championships out of my head.

Martino opted for Josef Martínez from the start, but you took advantage of your opportunities. Will he be a starter after the international break?

We have one healthy competition between Josef and me. Last year I had Higuaín in front of me and I learned a lot from him. I learn a lot from Josef, he advises me and we have a very good relationship. I do not rule out the possibility of Gonzalo passing as the best scorer for the rest of the year.

What were the days without Messi like when you were for Argentina?

His absence was felt in training. You get up and look forward to coming to train with the best in the world. But we also have Jordi and Busi.

Did Messi talk to you these days?

That, he wrote to us in the group, he congratulated us. You realize the type of person he is, how humble he is. No matter how big it is is waiting for usshe sends messages first, wishes us good luck and that motivates you.

Do you remember the details of your first contact with Messi?

Yes, I’m usually one of the first, I entered the dressing room with my head down, I looked up and saw that he was sitting next to me. I greeted him, he greeted me, and his calmness and humility make you feel calm. I didn’t accept it. We chatted a bit and, obviously, I was a bit reserved, I didn’t want to disturb him, but little by little we got along really well. We talk, we laugh, we train well, we complement each other well and I enjoy every day with him, as well as Jordi and Busi.

Martino talks a lot about Messi’s leadership outside of football. What does it refer to?

In what he is like as a person, how he talks to you, how he expresses himself with the youngest and the oldest. He does not believe that he is more than anyone else, as much as he can do it. He gives you that peace, he advises you on the field, before games, the conversations he gives, the faces you see on his face from competing in every game even though he won everything… All that, down to the smallest details.

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How much did you enjoy watching Ecuador win against Uruguay?

I enjoyed it, but with the bitterness of impossibility, that they cannot represent their country. Also the one from Argentina, against Leo, who is now my teammate. I would love to be there, play, change jerseys with him. It hurt me, but the choice will come to me at some point, I will do things very well and I know that at some point I will be there.

Was that Argentina-Ecuador special?

yes that’s why I spoke to Leo about the game, we traveled together and yes, it hurt me not be in this call.

You play in the United States, where the Copa América and the World Cup are organized. Do you see yourself in the Ecuador jersey at those tournaments?

I do things right here and I deserve another chance to go and show what I’m made of. Yes, I’m excited that Copa América is here, it’s my second home. (D)

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