Renowned football star and former PSG player, Lionel Messi, has been unveiled as the latest signing of Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale.
The Argentine international received an exuberant welcome from thousands of fans who braved heavy rain to witness his grand unveiling on Sunday night.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Inter Milan Calls Off Deal To Secure Romelu Lukaku
Despite the torrential downpour, Messi’s arrival at the DRV PNK Stadium was delayed but eventually met with great fanfare.
Messi was presented to the ecstatic fans during a glitzy event known as ‘The Unveil’ at Inter Miami’s home stadium.
The 36-year-old, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, strolled down a catwalk adorned with spotlights, donning a T-shirt and jeans, and was ceremoniously handed his iconic No. 10 jersey.
He then addressed the crowd in Spanish, expressing his joy at choosing Miami as his new home.
“I am very happy to have chosen to come to this city with my family, to have chosen this project, and I have no doubt that we are going to enjoy it very much,” Messi said.
“We are going to have a good time, and great things are going to happen. Thank you very much, thank you all for this day. I can’t wait to start training to compete.
“I feel the same desire I’ve always had to compete, to really want to win and to help Miami continue to grow.”
Following Messi’s speech, a video compilation of well-wishes from various celebrities, including former NFL quarterback Tom Brady and NBA player Stephen Curry, was played on the stadium’s big screen.
Subsequently, Messi was joined on the field by his wife and three children, where they posed for photographs amidst a backdrop of fireworks illuminating the night sky.
The event coincided with Inter Miami’s announcement of Messi signing a contract that would keep him with the club until 2025.
The excitement was palpable as fans eagerly anticipated Messi’s debut, scheduled for an upcoming Leagues Cup fixture against Cruz Azul from Mexico on Friday.
Messi’s arrival is a monumental boost to the profile of football in the United States, particularly as the country is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
With his contract at Paris Saint-Germain having expired last month, it was widely speculated that Messi would either opt for the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League or make a sentimental return to Barcelona, his former club.
Al Hilal, a prominent Saudi club, purportedly offered Messi a staggering $400 million per year, while the football icon expressed his desire to return to Barcelona.
However, concerns about the club’s financial stability led him to choose a move to Miami, where he would join forces with former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham as a co-owner of Inter Miami.
“I’m so happy to be here! I can’t wait to start training and competing. I’m here to compete, to win, to help the team as I always did”.
“I come here with the same desire as always. We will enjoy a lot”.
Leo Messi 👚🔟#InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/gk6qI1MtJS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
Beckham, addressing the crowd just moments before Messi’s introduction, shared his excitement, stating, “Like all of you, I cannot wait to see Leo take the field in our colors.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the next chapter of our story starts here.”
Messi’s presence on the pitch is eagerly awaited, as Inter Miami currently languishes at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, having suffered their eleventh consecutive defeat against St Louis City, losing 3-0.
With 18 points after 22 games, the team is in dire need of Messi’s exceptional talent and influence to revive their fortunes.
The ceremony on Sunday also marked Inter Miami’s official signing of another former Barcelona player, Sergio Busquets.
The 35-year-old Spanish midfielder, who had played alongside Messi for 15 seasons at Barcelona, joined the club on a contract that extends until the 2025 season.
Busquets, a World Cup winner and two-time European champion with the Spanish national team, departed Barcelona as a free agent this summer after dedicating his entire career to the iconic Camp Nou.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new opportunity, Busquets stated, “This is a special and exciting opportunity that I’m very excited to take.
“I’m looking forward to this next step in my career with Inter Miami.
“I was impressed by the club when I came with Barcelona last year, and now I’m happy and ready to represent the club myself.
“I can’t wait to help bring the success that this ambitious club strives for.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Jesus Vallejo To Join Granada On A One-year Loan Deal
With the arrival of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami has not only elevated its status in the soccer world but has also added significant star power to the rapidly growing Major League Soccer.
The anticipation and expectations surrounding their debut matches are palpable, and fans eagerly await the impact these legendary players will make on American soil.
