The football legend explained that he has changed the way he competes on the pitch as he has adapted to Major League Soccer (MLS) and his reduced athleticism at the age of 37.

He told Fabrizio Romano on the 433 app: "I’ve changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation and my age.

"I am adapting a little bit to everything. I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league which, for me, was new.

"I felt very comfortable from the beginning."

Messi has made an instant impact in Miami as the team's fortunes have experienced a sharp upturn this season and he is determined to win the MLS Cup.

He said: "To build a club, you need to win titles.

"The club was coming off a bad year in MLS [in 2023] and a little bit after my arrival, we won Leagues Cup, the first trophy for the club.

"It was extraordinary for us, and now we are eager to play these playoffs and, hopefully, be able to win the MLS Cup.

"On a personal level and, most importantly, for the club that has done so much for it to happen."

Messi thinks there is room for improvement to ensure that Miami avoid any "silly mistakes" that could cost them silverware.

He said: "We've made a lot of mistakes that we can avoid, because many times they were silly mistakes to put it nicely.

"That cannot happen during the playoffs, because the mistakes can cost you and get you eliminated.

"We have to be stronger than ever, and take advantage of the advantages we have. I think we are one of the favourites [to win the MLS Cup], but there are teams that will be difficult rivals.

"They won't give us anything, but the other teams respect us the way we respect them."