Lionel Messi Joins Inter Miami CF
After weeks of anticipation, Lionel Messi’s signing with Inter Miami CF finally became official as he was presented to his new home crowd at DRV PNK Stadium on a rainy Sunday night.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his intention to join David Beckham’s MLS club, but the deal took time to finalize, raising ticket prices for upcoming games. Inter Miami, currently last in the Eastern Conference, announced Messi’s signing on Saturday, setting up a grand welcome for the 2022 World Cup champion.
Messi spoke in Spanish for two minutes during the presentation, expressing his eagerness to train and compete. He praised his teammates’ commitment and expressed his desire to win and grow the club. The event included fireworks and welcome messages from Tom Brady and Steph Curry.
Messi expressed gratitude to the people of Miami and thanked the team’s owners, including David Beckham, for their support. Fans filled the 18,000-seat stadium, creating a festive atmosphere despite the rain delay of the event by two hours.
As part of the presentation, Messi received his Inter Miami jersey, donning his familiar No. 10 on the back, to the applause of the enthusiastic crowd.
Inter Miami co-owner, Jorge Mas, found a positive spin on the rain-soaked unveiling, referring to it as “holy water” and highlighting the celebration as a gift to the city that welcomed him and others seeking freedom.
MLS commissioner Don Garber, present at the ceremony, discussed the significance of Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami, noting that it reflects the league’s progress and its ambition to become a league of choice for players and fans.
The event, titled “La PresentaSÍon,” was livestreamed on various platforms, allowing fans worldwide to witness the historic moment. The night featured speeches from Messi, Beckham, and Jorge Mas, as well as musical performances from renowned artists.
In an exciting development, Messi’s former FC Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets, announced his signing with Inter Miami, further strengthening the team’s roster.
Days prior to his official presentation, Messi was spotted at a local grocery store, showcasing his down-to-earth nature despite his global stardom.
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami CF heralds a new era in American soccer and boosts the MLS’s global profile.
