Lionel Messi has been officially presented to an enthusiastic crowd at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium. Despite heavy rain and lightning, around 20,000 fans eagerly awaited Messi’s arrival, cheering as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was given the number 10 shirt. In a brief speech in Spanish, the 36-year-old expressed his gratitude to the supporters and conveyed his unwavering desire to compete and help the club grow.
Messi, a World Cup winner and Argentina’s star forward, joins Inter Miami on a deal that extends until the end of 2025. He will reunite with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who has also signed with Miami until 2025. The presentation event on Sunday night also included the formal unveiling of Busquets.
Messi made a grand entrance onto the pitch via a huge catwalk and was introduced as “America’s number 10, the world’s best number 10.” The event garnered messages of welcome and admiration from sports icons like Tom Brady and Stephen Curry.
During his speech, Messi expressed his eagerness to start training and competing, emphasizing his strong desire to win and contribute to the club’s growth. He expressed his happiness in choosing to play in Miami with his family and expressed confidence in enjoying their time there and achieving great things.
Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, hailed Messi’s decision to play in the league as a “transformational moment.” He expressed hope that Messi’s signing would send a message to the world, showcasing the United States as a soccer nation.
The DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami’s temporary home, witnessed a fireworks display as Messi was given the number 10 shirt. The stadium has a capacity of 18,000 and has erected a temporary grandstand to accommodate more fans.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami marks his first experience playing for a non-European club. He left Paris St-Germain at the end of the 2022-23 season after a successful two-year spell, scoring 32 goals in 75 games. His decision to join Inter Miami over lucrative offers from other countries has been met with excitement and praise from fans and club officials alike. The signing of Messi is seen as a significant milestone for Inter Miami and a major boost for football in the United States.
Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul on July 21 in their opening match of the Leagues Cup. His reunion with former Barcelona and Argentina manager Gerardo Martino adds further intrigue to his time at Inter Miami. The arrival of Messi has generated fervent anticipation among Inter Miami fans, who see it as a dream come true and a moment that can elevate football in Miami and the United States to new heights.
