Exclusive interview: Talles Magno describes his conversation with Messi in a friendly match against Inter Miami

In an exclusive interview with MLS Multiplex, Talles Magno, forward for New York City FC, provides a candid and inspiring perspective on his experience in international soccer. Addressing various aspects of his career, Magno not only reveals his exceptional skills on the soccer field but also a mature mindset in the face of the challenges and responsibilities that come with fame and expectations.

The young athlete’s adaptation to the lifestyle in the United States is discussed transparently. Initially, Magno highlights the cultural and linguistic obstacles he faced but emphasizes the importance of the club’s support and teammates in overcoming these challenges. This humility and acknowledgment of initial difficulties demonstrate the player’s determination not only to shine on the field but also to evolve as a person.

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“In the beginning, it was a bit complicated and quite challenging. Culture, language, people—there are many differences compared to Brazil. But gradually, I adapted, and with the support of the club and my teammates, everything flowed well. Today, I feel 100% good and adapted”, said Talles Magno to MLS Multiplex.

Magno’s analysis of the transition from Brazilian to American soccer provides a window into his unique understanding of the game. He not only recognizes structural and methodological differences but also highlights how the essence of the game remains intact. This adaptability and deep understanding of the game showcase a player who goes beyond technical skills, incorporating valuable tactical intelligence.

“Adaptation came day by day, with the dynamics of games and training. In this sense, the style of play is also quite different compared to what I practiced in Brazilian soccer, playing for Vasco da Gama. The processes, methodologies, structures… there are some details that end up changing and directly influencing the game as well. But overall, the adaptation was smooth; the essence of my soccer remains the same, and we adapt according to the proposal of each game.”

In addition to technical aspects, the interview reveals Magno’s future goals. He expresses the desire to build a solid career, contribute to collective achievements, and improve his individual performance. This ambition, combined with a realistic and focused approach, suggests that Talles Magno is more than a promise; he is a player committed to establishing his place on the international scene.

“My goal is to continue building a good career, winning titles, helping my teammates, improving my performance, and evolving more and more on the field”, said Talles.

The interview also highlights how the player deals with expectations and pressure. Magno acknowledges the value of these expectations, seeing them as positive indicators, but he stays grounded, revealing a mature mindset to manage the demands of high-level soccer.

“I know my talent, I know my potential, and in a way, I am happy with the expectations that are created. That means I am on the right path. But at the same time, I am very careful with it and always try to stay grounded, focused, and working to achieve my goals. It’s good and natural pressure. It’s a huge honor to play for New York City FC, a team that welcomed me and continues to believe in my work. We have our ambitions in the championships we participate in, and pressure will always exist, but nothing we can’t handle. We are used to it and can manage it well every day. As for the Brazilian National Team, the responsibility is always significant, and I believe the pressure increases as well. In the youth national team, I had the opportunity to represent my country, we became World Champions, and certainly, the level of demand wearing the yellow jersey is higher, whether due to the weight of the shirt or the millions of fans we represent when entering the field.”

The interview discusses his fifth metatarsal injury in 2020, highlighting not only the physical challenges but also the mental resilience demonstrated by Magno during the recovery process. His ability to overcome adversity is a testament to his unwavering determination to achieve his goals.

“Injuries are always very difficult to understand and assimilate, especially in the initial moment, but gradually, we understand God’s will and let things happen naturally. This injury in 2020 was very difficult, but with the support of my family and the club professionals, I managed to turn the situation around. There are many special things that I take time to believe. Every moment of my career is important, and sometimes I find myself thinking, and it’s even hard to describe that the dream of being a player has come true. My debut at Vasco, my first goal in my career, a title with the Brazilian National Team being one of the team’s highlights, the title-winning goal for New York City FC in the MLS, there are also very cool moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The player’s relationship with coach Nick Cushing is described as solid, based on mutual trust and tactical intelligence. This promising partnership suggests that the forward is in an environment conducive to his development, a crucial factor for continued success.

“The most valuable advice I received in my entire life was never to lose my essence and my way of being, always smiling and cheerful. I am the player who plays better when I am happy, so I cannot lose that characteristic because it is a part of me. And this applies to any game, in football matches just for fun with my brothers and friends, a friendly, to the most important games. Within this advice, a mindset I have with myself is precisely to have fun whenever I step onto the field. So, we have a very good relationship (referring to NYCFC coach Nick Cushing). Nick is a very intelligent guy, with a well-defined style of play, and he always gives me confidence to step onto the field. He arrived last year and quickly managed to implement his processes. In fact, I play in various positions during each game, from midfield, left wing, right wing, false nine, center forward, so I don’t have a specific position because all the positions I like, I end up playing during the games, largely due to the team’s tactical demands and variation. We hope that this partnership continues, and we can help each other win titles.”

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Magno’s experience in the friendly against Inter Miami, celebrating Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or, is portrayed as “brilliant” by much of the press and fans. This moment highlights not only his respect for sports icons but also his ability to contribute significantly in international scenarios.

“It was an incredible experience. Sharing the field with Messi was a unique moment in my career, and the result of the game was even better. I managed to help my teammates by scoring a goal and providing an assist in a game that the whole world was watching. It’s another special moment that will be marked forever. I did talk to him (referring to Messi), but we didn’t have a deep conversation. I greeted him, and we had a quick exchange. The most interesting was coming back from halftime. We were winning with a goal from me, and as we returned to the field, he was beside me, he looked at me, and I looked at him, and he laughed, saying: ‘dale, dale!’ (Which means ‘let’s go, let’s go!’ in English). But it was a very simple exchange, nothing special”, said Talles Magno during the exclusive interview with MLS Multiplex, explaining how his interaction with Messi in the friendly went.

Talles Magno’s interview with MLS Multiplex not only reveals exceptional talent but also a commendable mindset. The player, surpassing expectations, is more than a promise; he is a reality, a constant force, and an inspiration for those following his career.