Inter Miami’s Robert Taylor opens up on his journey from non-league soccer to playing with Lionel Messi: ‘If anyone had told me that a few years ago… I would have laughed in their face!’
- Robert Taylor scored the opening goal of Inter Miami’s victory over Cruz Azul
- As a youngster, the midfielder spent time struggling in England’s lower divisions
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
There was a time, not too long ago, when Robert Taylor was rotting in England’s non-league – struggling for minutes and exploring other career options.
As a youngster, the Finnish player – now 28 – struggled to make his mark during spells with Nottingham Forest, Barnet and Lincoln.
He was sent further down the divisions, for loan spells at Boston Town and Lincoln Moorlands Railway – who currently play in level 11 of England’s football league system.
And then on Sunday night, Taylor played his part in one of US soccer’s most momentous nights. He scored the opening goal in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash with Cruz Azul, before watching Lionel Messi end his debut with a last-gasp winner.
‘If anyone had told me a few years ago that, sitting on the bench for Lincoln Moorlands, that I’m going to play with (Sergio) Busquets and Messi I would have laughed in their face,’ Taylor said after the game.
Robert Taylor played a role in a momentous night after previously struggling to make his mark
Lionel Messi scored a sensational free kick to seal a dramatic 2-1 win for Inter Miami Friday
Taylor bagged the opening goal in the clash against Cruz Azul before Messi’s winner
‘I was sitting on the bench, I wasn’t able to get any minutes, the coach told me I’m not strong enough, basically not good enough.
‘It tested me when I was younger. I was calling my parents back home in Finland and telling them that I wanted to look for something else, other options.’
Thankfully, after ‘a lot of hard work’ and more fruitful spells closer to home, the 28-year-old is part of an Inter Miami roster that has received a recent dose of star dust. Both Busquets and Messi were second-half substitutes against Cruz Azul. Together, they have already revitalized a struggling team.
‘It’s amazing,’ Taylor said. ‘(Messi) has just come in and brought a lot of energy to the team. His play means he makes the right decisions all of the time in training and in the games which is why it’s so good.
‘It was a great feeling to hear the fans. Busquets brings a lot of confidence. You feel when he gives you the ball, it gives you time because he knows when to pass the ball, when to keep the ball and it makes life easier for everyone around him.’
He added: ‘You could see the quality when they both came into the team, so I think it’s a really important time for us.’
Inter Miami roster has received a recent dose of star dust with Messi and Sergio Busquets (R)
Both the Argentina star and Busquets were second-half substitutes in the League cup game
Messi won the game with a 25-yard free-kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time, to cap an unforgettable night in Fort Lauderdale.
‘To witness that free kick and the quality he brings to the team, it’s unbelievable,’ Taylor added.
‘Sold-out stadium, Messi and Busquets debut, coming on, so of course it’s a special occasion… it’s an unbelievable feeling for everyone in the team (to play with Messi). ‘But eventually we’ll have to get used to it and not get too emotional around it.’
He added: ‘My family is in Finland, it’s the middle of the night but my Dad watches the game and he’s very happy.’
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