Lionel Messi introduced himself to Inter Miami fans after his transfer. The MLS club also announces another prominent addition at a celebratory event.
Inter Miami presented soccer world champion Lionel Messi to the public in a festive ceremony.
A day after the club from the American Major League Soccer (MLS) officially announced the signing of the Argentine soccer star for two years, Messi presented himself to the fans at the sold-out DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday evening (local time) with 18,000 spectators.
“I’m very happy that I chose this city and this project with my family,” Messi said at the event called The Unveil. “Great things are going to happen. I feel the same desire I’ve always had as a competitor, to win and help Miami grow.” Messi’s debut in Inter shirt is set to follow as early as July 21 when Miami open the Leagues Cup against Mexican club Cruz Azul.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham had made a similar move a few years ago, joining the Los Angeles Galaxy. “Ten years ago I started the journey of building a new MLS team,” said the former England international. “I said then that it was a dream to bring the best players in the world to South Florida and the great city of Miami. Players who share our goal of growing football in this country.”
Video message with Brady and Curry
In a video message, sports greats such as football legend Tom Brady and basketball player Stephen Curry welcomed Messi to the United States. The MLS club had previously unveiled another new signing in Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets. Busqets and Messi had played together at FC Barcelona for a number of years.
Due to the weather, the event had to be postponed for two hours, Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas took the heavy rain and the thunderstorm with humor: “Tonight we’ll do it Miami-style in the rain: That’s holy water.” Those in charge around Mas will hope that Messi will lead the club up in sporting terms: Miami is currently in last place in the Eastern Conference of the MLS.