New York Red Bulls forward Mohammed Sofo says sharing the pitch with global icons like Lionel Messi is both a dream come true and a test of his growing footballing mettle.

The 20-year-old Ghanaian forward faced Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba in a recent MLS clash, as Inter Miami handed the Red Bulls a humbling defeat at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. But for Sofo, the moment was about more than the scoreline.

“It’s great. The names you mentioned — I mean, I don’t have to say much about them. Everyone knows what they’ve done at the highest level,” Sofo told GHANASoccernet in an exclusive interview.

“Every time we play against them it is a dream, but also, we try to compete and learn. You’re living a dream, but you’re also trying to test yourself — to see how far you’ve come, and what you can take from being around these players.”

Sofo’s reaction offers a window into the mentality of a rising star determined not to be overwhelmed by the glow of footballing legends. The forward has grown from idolising Messi from afar to tracking his movements in real-time, chasing his passes, and challenging for duels against one of the greatest to ever play the game.

In Saturday’s match, Messi delivered a reminder of his enduring class with two goals in a dominant Inter Miami performance. But Sofo remains undeterred, viewing such experiences as a vital part of his development.

“You learn so much from how they move, how they communicate, their composure,” Sofo added. “It’s not just talent — it’s experience, intelligence, decision-making. For me, these are the things I watch closely.”

The Ghanaian forward has emerged as one of the more promising young players in the league this season. With five goals in 17 appearances, Sofo has injected pace, energy, and clinical finishing into a Red Bulls side that continues to blend youth with experience.

His performances have not gone unnoticed among Ghanaian football fans and scouts, many of whom are already tipping the former GMJ Academy striker for a potential Black Stars call-up in the near future.

Sofo’s journey is also a powerful endorsement of Major League Soccer’s evolving landscape. No longer just a retirement destination for European stars, the league now serves as a competitive platform for emerging African talent to learn, grow, and shine — even in the shadows of legends like Messi.

For now, Sofo is keeping his feet on the ground, eyes fixed firmly on the next challenge, but never forgetting what it means to be on this stage.

“To be on the same pitch with them — Messi, Suárez — it’s a blessing. But I also want to score, to win, to grow. You take the lessons, and you keep moving.”