Lionel Messi, the legendary footballer and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been officially introduced as Inter Miami’s latest signing at DRV PNK Stadium.
Despite adverse weather conditions, a capacity crowd of around 20,000 eagerly anticipated Messi’s arrival and witnessed the iconic player donning the number 10 jersey.
During his brief speech in Spanish, the 36-year-old Messi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporters and emphasized his unwavering passion for competition.
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The Argentine forward, who clinched the World Cup title, has joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on a contract running until the end of 2025.
Notably, Messi has been reunited with his former Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets, a defensive midfielder who has also committed to Miami until 2025 and was introduced alongside Messi during the event.
To a grand entrance on a catwalk, Messi was presented as “America’s number 10, the world’s best number 10.” The occasion was further enhanced by video messages from esteemed sports figures such as Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, and Stephen Curry, a four-time NBA title holder, extending a warm welcome to Messi on his arrival in the United States.
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Eager to commence training and compete, Messi expressed his strong desire to contribute to the team’s success and assist in the club’s growth. He joyfully shared his decision to play in Miami alongside his family, showing confidence in the project and anticipating fulfilling experiences and achievements.
Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which currently has a capacity of 18,000, serves as their temporary home ground and is presently one of the smallest stadiums in MLS. However, to accommodate a larger fan base, a temporary grandstand has been erected.
Messi’s move to the US marks his first venture outside of Europe, departing Paris St-Germain after the 2022-23 season.
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Despite lucrative offers from other nations, Messi chose to join Inter Miami, much to the delight of the club’s co-owner, David Beckham, who described the signing as a “dream come true” and expressed pride in Messi’s decision to join their ranks.
The football superstar is expected to be available for Miami’s opening Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, a LIGA MX side, on July 21.
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