Lionel Messi was officially unveiled by Inter Miami on Sunday in a much-anticipated ceremony titled ‘La Presentasion’ at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, Florida. Despite a delay due to torrential rains, thousands of football enthusiasts patiently waited for hours, holding flags and banners, to welcome the legend to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
The programme, originally scheduled to start at 5 pm ET, was worth the wait for the fans as they cheered and chanted Messi! Messi! when the Argentine FIFA World Cup winner finally arrived on the pitch. This marked a new chapter in Messi’s career, following his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after spending 17 successful years at Barcelona, where he scored 672 goals and won 34 trophies.
The decision to join Inter Miami was met with enthusiasm from the club’s co-owner and former England international, David Beckham. He described Messi’s arrival as a dream come true and expressed his excitement for the next phase of the club’s journey. Messi’s unveiling event saw him arrive at the stadium wearing a white shirt, showcasing his determination to leave the past behind and start fresh with Inter Miami.
During the ceremony, Messi received the prestigious No. 10 jersey from the club, a number that holds significant meaning for him. It is a jersey he had not worn in club football since his departure from Barcelona, where he used to wear the No. 30 at PSG. Messi expressed his gratitude to Beckham, his family, and club president Jorge Mas, while also conveying his excitement to start training, competing, and helping the club grow. He assured the fans that he would do his best to ensure the club’s success.
In addition to Messi, Inter Miami also made another significant signing by bringing in his former Barcelona teammate and fellow FIFA World Cup winner, Sergio Busquets. Known for his impressive career at Barcelona, Busquets left the club with 32 trophies and the third-highest number of appearances in its history. His decision to join Inter Miami was driven by the club’s ambition, and he expressed his eagerness to contribute to their success.
Inter Miami is currently facing a challenging season, sitting at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 18 points after 22 matches. However, the addition of two World Cup winners is expected to uplift the morale of the fans and the club. The recent appointment of a new manager, Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino, further adds to the club’s determination to turn the tides.
Messi will be available for selection for the first time in the upcoming game against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21. The match will be played at the DRV PNK Stadium, providing an opportunity for fans to witness Messi’s debut in Inter Miami colors.
The arrival of Messi and Busquets marks a new era for Inter Miami, filled with hope, ambition, and fans’ excitement. It signifies the club’s commitment to attracting top talent and striving for success in the MLS. With these two iconic players on board, Inter Miami aims to make a significant impact in the league and elevate their performance in the remaining matches of the season.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s official unveiling by Inter Miami as the new signing has generated immense enthusiasm and excitement among fans. The arrival of Messi, along with the signing of his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, signals the club’s determination to transform its fortunes and make a mark in the MLS. With their combined expertise and experience, Inter Miami hopes to turn the tides and achieve success in the upcoming matches. Fans eagerly await Messi’s debut in Inter Miami colors, and the club embarks on a new chapter with high hopes for the future.
