Lionel Messi, the Leader

Lionel Messi was introduced to his new club before a packed stadium, fireworks and a welcoming video featuring Tom Brady and Stephen Curry.

But the hidden challenge for him upon his arrival to Inter Miami wasn’t winning over fans or even performing on the field.

It was ingratiating himself to his new teammates.

So what has Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player ever, done in the last two months to quickly build a rapport and a greater sense of camaraderie in the dressing room?

Three gestures of his in particular might be relevant to our own teams:

1. Gifts and gratitude

After a late June win over Atlanta, Messi gave his teammates personalized headphones in Inter Miami’s pink and black colors. Similarly, he gave his Argentine teammates and support staff 24-carat customized iPhones after their World Cup title earlier this year.

We and those we lead probably don’t have the financial means to reach deep into our pockets to the same extent, but building a bond doesn’t have to be about money or glitzy presents. It’s about conveying that we know we’re not in this alone — and that we recognize and appreciate those pulling in the same direction as us.

Time, engaged conversation and remembering basic details about our team members can go a long way toward conveying a sense of care.

2. Stand up for teammates

During last week’s League Cup semifinals, Messi confronted a Philadelphia Union midfielder and stared him down after a hard foul on one of his Miami teammates.

“How are you going to kick him to the ground like that?”, cameras appeared to catch Messi saying.

The referee had to intervene to break up the exchange.

Messi’s choice to get involved was about far more than just 10 seconds of testiness, though. It signified solidarity and that he’s more than just a legend with nearly 500 million Instagram followers. He’s truly in this with his new club.

3. The captain band

Despite never having played a game in the MLS, Messi was named Inter Miami captain upon his arrival. While he may be an icon, this could easily cause a rift within the organization.

Last week, though, after Inter Miami’s win over FC Nashville in the Leagues Cup Final, Messi returned the captain’s band on his jersey to teammate DeAndre Yedlin, who held the position before Messi’s arrival. He then called Yedlin over to help him lift the trophy.

Inter Miami has won all seven of its matches since Messi’s arrival. Prior to it, the club had won just five.

While it may be easy to dismiss the success as a transcendent player displaying a remarkable skillset on the field, there’s a far more important lesson in Messi’s play for us as leaders.

When elite talent conveys gratitude and selflessness, they elevate performance levels — creating indelible bonds, team success and a lasting legacy in the process.