Drake Callender, who played alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, shared a heartfelt farewell message on social media following his transfer to Charlotte FC on August 19, 2024. After joining the Florida-based club in 2019, Callender’s journey with Inter Miami culminated in multiple successes before he moved on to continue his career elsewhere.
Last week, news broke that Inter Miami had reached an agreement to transfer Callender to Charlotte FC, a move that sparked disappointment among many fans. Before breaking into the first team in 2022, Callender spent his early years developing at Inter Miami CF II, gradually establishing himself as a key player for the Herons.
Reflecting on Six Years of Growth and Achievement at Inter Miami
In his farewell post, the 27-year-old goalkeeper expressed gratitude toward the club, teammates, and fans who supported him through his six-year tenure. Callender highlighted the strong bonds he formed and the collective triumphs that marked his time with the team.
“To my first professional club @intermiamicf, I want to thank you and everyone that I’ve met and had the opportunity to grow with throughout the last six years. I’m very proud of my time here and more importantly the relationships I’ve built. We won trophies, we endured tough moments, and brought people together through this game. I wish everyone the best going forward. To the fans, you always supported me and I can’t thank you enough for all the love I’ve received during my time here,” Callender wrote.
Key Contributions to Inter Miami’s Historic Trophy Wins
Callender’s most memorable achievements at Inter Miami occurred during Lionel Messi’s debut season in 2023. The American goalkeeper played a vital role in the club’s first-ever trophy, notably scoring in the penalty shootout and making a crucial save against Elliot Panicco in the Leagues Cup final versus Nashville, securing the title for Miami. He maintained that high level of performance into 2024 when Inter Miami clinched the Supporters’ Shield with a league-record 74 points, marking another milestone for the team.
Insights into Lionel Messi’s Impact in His First MLS Season
In 2023, Drake Callender openly discussed what it was like to share the field with Lionel Messi after the legendary player joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain. Messi quickly adapted to the club and <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS, earning respect for his commitment and humility.
“He’s a great teammate. He’s kind of shy and, you know, soft-spoken. I always have to think that this guy is coming to a whole new league, a whole new country. He’s probably trying to get settled. Everything is new for him, you know? So I just did my best to help him feel welcome. I tried not to fanboy or anything and I think we’ve developed your pretty average standard teammate relationship.
“I see his dedication to the sport and to this team. In the short time he’s been with us, he’s really bought into what we’re trying to do and he’s made some great contributions on the field and off. He just wants to be one of the guys, you know? He wants to be one of our teammates and he’s very humble and that’s something that I respect a lot. And so seeing how he operates on the training field, like the importance that he puts on training and in games, you can still see the fire in his eyes when he competes and it shows me what kind of level we need to compete at if we’re to be ambitious and want to win games.”
Shared Experiences on the Pitch
Drake Callender and Lionel Messi shared the pitch 39 times for Inter Miami, collaborating during a pivotal period in the club’s development. Their partnership contributed to the team’s notable successes and helped elevate Inter Miami’s status in Major League Soccer.
Looking Ahead After Callender’s Exit
Callender’s departure marks the end of an era for Inter Miami, as the club loses a dedicated goalkeeper who contributed significantly to its recent achievements. Moving to Charlotte FC, Callender embarks on a new chapter, while Inter Miami prepares to build on the momentum from their historic trophy wins and Messi’s influence in the squad. Fans and analysts will closely watch how both the Herons and Callender progress in their respective futures.