Facundo Mura’s rise from rural Argentina to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami teammate
Facundo Mura’s journey to Inter Miami began in General Roca, an agricultural town in Argentina’s Río Negro province, globally recognized for its apples and pears. The town’s apples are celebrated every February at the Fiesta Nacional de la Manzana (National Festival of the Apple).
It was there that Mura fell in love with soccer; far, far away from the pressure and spotlight the 27-year-old right back deals with now as Lionel Messi’s teammate.
When he was 13, he and his younger brother, Joaquin, had an opportunity to join the youth ranks of Estudiantes de La Plata, one of the most historic and decorated clubs in Argentina. Mura’s parents, Raul Mura and Monica Hernandez, who were both physicians, packed up the family and moved 680 miles north to La Plata, the capital city of the Buenos Aires province.
Mura says he is forever indebted to his parents for that sacrifice and credits them for where he is today.
“Both of my parents were doctors, with successful careers in General Roca, and the day me and my brother had the possibility to go to Estudiantes, they made the decision to relocate and reinvent their careers in La Plata,” Mura said on Wednesday after training, ahead of Saturday’s home game against Orlando City (7:15 p.m. FS1, Apple TV).
“They were nearing 50 years old, an age when many people would stay where they are established. It was a sacrifice for them to allow us to chase our dreams.”
He said the foundation his parents set for him in General Roca prepared him for what was ahead, on and off the field.
“I am fortunate to have had a wonderful childhood, surrounded by my loved ones, and my parents gave me everything I needed to grow up in the best way possible, education and values, and their actions taught me that to reach your dreams you must work very hard,” Mura said.
“They were, and remain, my role models as I enjoy this stage of my career. I will never forget my beginnings, when I speak to my old friends, go visit my neighborhood and school and eat a delicious apple.”
In mid-2017, Mura began training with Estudiantes’ first team and was called up to the U20 national team.
While with the U20 team, he got his first chance to share the field with Messi, former Inter Miami star Gonzalo Higuain and former Miami coach Javier Mascherano, all of whom were on Argentina’s senior team.
The U20 team was tasked with sparring the senior team to prepare them for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela prior to Russia 2018. Mura has one particular memory that stuck with him.
After one training session, Mura and five or six of his U20 teammates hung around and volunteered to line up as a wall for Messi, who was practicing free kicks.
“I remember that out of 20 shots he took, he scored 16 or 18 goals,” Mura said, wearing a giant smile. “We, as the wall, never blocked any of his shots. It’s an anecdote that to this day I will never forget. And now, to be his teammate is a huge honor. And I can see that he continues to practice his free kicks, which is why he keeps making them.”
F1 driver Colapinto meets Messi
Argentine F1 driver Franco Colapinto, in South Florida for the Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium this weekend, stopped by Inter Miami training in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday and took photos with Messi and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
Colapinto, 22, races for Alpine and has become a national hero in Argentina. A crowd of 600,000 filled the streets of Buenos Aires on Sunday for Colapinta’s appearance in the Buenos Aires F1 Road Show.
Inter Miami and F1 share several sponsors, so many Miami players are expected to attend the race on Sunday. No word yet if Messi will be there.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Rivalry Night festivities
The first 10,000 fans who walk through the gates at Nu Stadium on Saturday for Inter Miami’s 7:15 p.m. game against Orlando City will receive a Royal Caribbean-branded t-shirt.
There also will be a special youth pre-match training session from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All guests ages 5 - 14 with a match ticket are invited to this special initiative at the Baptist Health Sports Fields, located between the Royal Caribbean East Gate and the North Gate.
Participants of all skill levels are invited and will rotate through Inter Miami Academy-style training stations led by academy coaches. Participants will also receive a limited-edition “Play Like an Icon” t-shirt and a captain armband, courtesy of Royal Caribbean, while supplies last.
Halftime will feature a laser show. After the game, fans are invited to a free live set from Miami-based DJ, DJ Irie, on the West side of the concourse at the Modelo After Party at The Terraces.
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 3:58 PM.