Mohammed Sofo Shares Insight on His Experience Competing Against Lionel Messi

Mohammed Sofo, the promising young forward of New York Red Bulls, has opened up about the surreal experience of sharing the pitch with football legend Lionel Messi and other former Barcelona greats now playing for Inter Miami. At just 20 years old, Sofo finds himself not only fulfilling a lifelong dream but also measuring his talents against some of the most iconic players in football history.

Sofo recently featured for New York Red Bulls in a tough MLS fixture against a star-studded Inter Miami side led by Messi, along with ex-Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The game ended in a heavy defeat for the Red Bulls, but for Sofo, the experience was both eye-opening and motivational.

Speaking exclusively to GHANASoccernet, the Ghanaian forward admitted that playing against such accomplished players is a dream come true, but also emphasized the importance of learning and competing at the highest level.

“It’s a great experience. These are players who have done incredible things in football — everyone knows what Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba have achieved,” Sofo said with a smile. “Getting the chance to play against them is something I never imagined when I started this journey.”

But beyond the excitement of sharing the same field with his idols, Sofo says he approaches these matches as opportunities to learn and grow as a player.

“Yes, it’s a dream, but at the same time, it’s also a challenge,” he explained. “You want to compete, you want to test yourself, and you want to understand what makes these players so special. There’s a lot to take in when you’re on the same pitch — how they think, move, and make decisions. Every game is a lesson.”

In the recent match, Lionel Messi once again showed his class, scoring two goals in a dominant performance that helped Inter Miami secure a convincing win over the Red Bulls. While the result was disappointing for Sofo’s side, he remains optimistic and focused on the long-term benefits of such high-level encounters.

“These are the moments that push you,” he said. “You don’t grow unless you’re tested. Playing against players of that caliber forces you to raise your game.”

Sofo’s steady rise in Major League Soccer has not gone unnoticed. With five goals in 17 appearances this season, he has become a key figure in the Red Bulls’ attack and one of the most promising young talents in the league. His ability to perform consistently in a competitive league like MLS is a testament to his drive and potential.

As he continues to evolve, Sofo hopes to keep gaining experience from these elite matchups and translate those lessons into personal and team success.

“I’ve come a long way, but I still have so much more to learn,” he added. “Every time I step on the field, I see it as an opportunity to grow — especially when I’m up against the best.”