Nathan Messer's Story "Should Be A Lesson For A Lot Of Kids"
Messer is thriving after converting to left back.
Portland Hearts of Pine head coach Bobby Murphy believes that Nathan Messer’s story is one that young players can learn from.
Messer, who attended the College of William and Mary before spending his extra year of eligibility at Providence College, was a midfielder during his early career.
He eventually shifted to left back, a move he was happy to make.
“I started off as a winger,” Messer said. “My delivery has always been my strong point. As the game has moved away from traditional wingers who are crossing the ball, that responsibility has gone a lot to fullbacks.
“I started playing there in college and with the Vermont Green. I really love attacking from the back, as well as the defensive aspect of defending as a unit.”
Messer said he now views left back as “his position,” adding that he “feels at home there.”
The late start, however, means there’s still much to learn, which Messer is open to.
The 23-year-old is often the last player on the field at practice and regularly studies the game.
Beyond playing collegiately, Messer spent time with TVS Meerbusch (Germany) and ND Primorje (Slovenia), as well as Northern Virginia FC and Vermont Green FC of USL League Two.
In 2024, he played for Rhode Island FC of the USL Championship. While he didn’t get many minutes, he said he “learned a lot from that whole back line.”
Messer is focused on maximizing his career, which is why he eats right and does everything he can to recover appropriately.
“It’s not only a point of pride for me, but also a passion of mine, to get the most out of myself and learn the human body,” Messer said. “I truly believe if I keep doing the things that I do, then at some point it’ll pay off.”
The hard work is already paying dividends, as Messer has appeared on the USL League One Team of the Week twice. He has also scored a goal in both the US Open Cup and league play.
Murphy, who listed Messer as a standout player during the early days of Hearts, reaffirmed his confidence in the defender after a training session on May 21.
“He’s done really well,” Murphy said. “I think he should be a lesson for a lot of kids who want to be one thing. The player pool of attacking players is pretty big. The player pool of left-footed, athletic left backs who are American is pretty small.
“So his chances for success are greater. He took that opportunity and met it head-on, and he’s done really well. He will have a good career.”
Note: The interviews for this article were conducted on May 21. To learn more about Messer’s story, listen to his episode of the Footwork Podcast.