1/3
July 16 (UPI) Lionel Messi expressed his readiness to compete and his desire to help Inter Miami “grow” during his introduction ceremony for the MLS club on Sunday at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Messi, accompanied by his wife Antonella and their sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, was greeted with cheers from a crowd of nearly 20,000 at the event, which was delayed due to rain and lightning.
The soccer fans proudly wore Inter Miami pink Messi shirts along with replicas of his Argentina national team jersey. They waved flags, shouted, and sang throughout the event.
“I want to express my gratitude to all the people in Miami for this warm welcome and affection since my arrival,” Messi said from a stage set up on the field. “I am extremely excited to be here with all of you.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is anticipated to make his debut for Inter Miami on Friday in Fort Lauderdale. He will don his iconic No. 10 jersey as the new cornerstone of the club, which currently holds the worst record (5-14-3) in MLS.
The Argentine superstar announced his decision to join Inter Miami on June 7, rejecting offers from European clubs and Saudi Arabia. His signing with the MLS club was made official on Saturday, and his contract extends until 2025.
“I’m eager to start training and competing,” Messi stated. “I have a strong desire to win and contribute to the growth of this club.
“Throughout the [season], I hope that all of you will continue to support us. Personally, I have faith that my teammates will give their all to build this project, and I am delighted to have chosen this city and this project. I have no doubt that we will have a fantastic time and create wonderful memories.”
Messi is expected to make his debut in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, which will be broadcasted at 8 p.m. EDT on Friday via Apple TV.
The showcase event on Sunday featured an impressive light show, fireworks, and speeches from Messi, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas, and co-owner David Beckham.
NFL legend Tom Brady, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, U.S. men’s manager Gregg Berhalter, and Argentine tennis star Juan Martin del Potro were among those who welcomed Messi through messages displayed on the stadium video board.
“Please pardon me for feeling a bit emotional tonight,” said Beckham. “Welcoming Lionel Messi to Inter Miami is truly a dream come true.”
Inter Miami also introduced midfielder Sergio Busquets to the fans during the ceremony. Busquets, a longtime teammate of Messi’s at FC Barcelona, will wear No. 5 for Inter Miami. He has also signed a contract until 2025.
“It is a pleasure for me to be a part of Inter Miami,” said Busquets. “I am incredibly excited to start training and playing alongside my teammates.”
Inter Miami will face Charlotte FC in their next MLS match on August 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale.
“We promised this city that we would dream, that we would sign the best players in the world, the best player in the world,” Mas declared. “Tonight, that dream comes true!”
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
