Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Drake Callender has assisted Messi in winning two trophies and aims for a third
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Drake Callender might have held the MLS Supporters’ Shield trophy higher than Lionel Messi expected. However, the 6-foot-3 goalkeeper for Inter Miami had every reason to revel in this triumphant moment.
During Inter Miami’s celebration of their regular season title, Messi invited Callender and fellow 6-foot-2 midfielder Sergio Busquets to help raise the trophy. But once it was airborne, Messi, at 5-foot-7, couldn’t quite reach it, prompting him to cheer alongside his teammates instead.
“I was just ready to stand with the team and watch them celebrate. But then he asked for some help, which really shows how humble and how much of a leader he is,” Callender remarked. “He acknowledged that I had captained a few games this season, and lifting the Supporters’ Shield in front of our fans and teammates was incredible. It was probably one of the biggest moments of my career.”
Just as Argentine goalkeeper Dibu Martinez aided Messi in winning the World Cup and the last two Copa America titles, Callender has been instrumental to Messi’s achievements in Major League Soccer, contributing to Inter Miami’s two titles.
Inter Miami’s journey in the MLS Cup Playoffs continues on Saturday with the second match of their best-of-three first-round series against Atlanta United. A victory would propel Inter Miami to the next stage after their 2-1 win on Friday.
Callender is determined to help Messi and the team capture the MLS Cup, which would signify their third title together and mark Messi’s 47th for club and country. Without Callender, Messi wouldn’t have his 44th or 46th titles.
In the Leagues Cup final last year, Callender not only scored the tenth penalty kick but also saved the decisive kick in a shootout, assisting Inter Miami in beating Nashville 2-2 (10-9) for the club’s inaugural title just seven matches after Messi’s arrival.
This month, he also made a critical penalty save against MVP candidate Cucho Hernandez, securing Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield by defeating the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew.
“Playing a part in winning both of our trophies is surreal for me because I’m someone who just wants the best for the team,” Callender expressed. “Winning isn’t just about one player; it’s a team effort, and I’m grateful to contribute.”
Don’t expect Callender to choose between the trophies or moments he cherishes most.
“They’re both unique. Each trophy represents different scenarios and circumstances. I can’t rank them because they mean so much to me,” Callender noted. “But I might lean towards the Leagues Cup, as it was my first trophy where I was actively involved. It’s hard to say one is better; they’re both significant.”
Callender, who co-wrote a children’s book titled “X Marks the Spot” with former teammate DeAndre Yedlin that focuses on mindfulness and mental health, maintains a positive outlook, choosing opportunities over fear. He explained that one can either dread outcomes or embrace the potential for something positive, especially in challenging situations.
This mindset was crucial when Callender correctly anticipated the path of Hernandez’s second penalty kick, which ultimately clinched Inter Miami’s regular season title.
Hernandez’s first penalty shot led to a goal in the 61st minute, cutting Inter Miami’s lead to 3-2, after Callender dove right but the ball went the other way. On the second try, Callender dove to the lower right side and made the vital save in the 84th minute, ensuring victory over the defending champions.
“That’s probably one of the biggest saves of my career,” Callender remarked. “Being a goalkeeper feels like a rollercoaster; the highs are incredibly high, and the lows can be very low. Often, you find yourself as either the hero or the villain.”
“There have been numerous moments this season where I have played the villain. But in that instance, I had the chance to be a hero.”
Callender applies this same mindset to his personal life. He and his wife Kyra Rogers, a former UCLA volleyball player, welcomed their daughter Berkeley in September. Despite the challenges of the soccer season, he focuses on enjoying time with their newborn rather than stressing over sleep.
“I’m all in. I’m changing diapers, burping her, and helping her go to sleep. Whatever is needed to support my wife, I’ll do it because witnessing the birthing experience is all-consuming,” Callender shared. “I have no complaints at this point. She brought our child into the world, so I’m here to assist in any way.”
Callender seamlessly fits into a star-studded team.
Messi and Luis Suarez made MLS history by both scoring 20 goals in a single season.
Busquets, who is often regarded as one of the greatest midfielders ever, plays defensively to give rookie Yannick Bright the chance to shine in midfield.
One of the top left-back defenders in soccer, he significantly contributes to the offensive play and netted the decisive goal in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory against Atlanta in their inaugural playoff match last week.
Callender serves as the last line of defense for Inter Miami, a team striving for a historic season as they chase the MLS Cup title, marking Messi’s first complete year with the squad.
“I believe we are moving in a positive direction and see these matches as chances to secure another trophy and demonstrate why we earned the Supporters’ Shield,” Callender stated. “Being in the playoffs is where you want to be in this league, and that’s exactly where we are. Our goal is to do our utmost to win games.”
