Lionel Messi is officially an Inter Miami player. The club nicknamed The Herons held an introductory event for the megastar with great fanfare. The introductory event for the figure nicknamed La Pulga took place at the Inter Miami headquarters, DRV PNK Stadium, Sunday (16/7/2023) evening local time.
Messi’s introduction event was delayed due to bad weather around the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Initially, the event was planned to be held starting at 18:30 local time. Bad weather forced the event to start at 20.00 local time.
Inter Miami supporters were very enthusiastic about the event. This made Inter Miami add 3,000 to 3,200 seats from the DRV PNK Stadium’s capacity of 18,000. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was delighted to receive such a warm welcome. Messi also admitted that he couldn’t wait to start his adventure with The Herons.
“I want to thank everyone in Miami for this welcome, this affection since I arrived here. I am very happy to be with you,” said Messi. “I want to thank Jose (Mas), Jorge (Mas), David (Beckham) for admitting this, which makes us feel at home. I really want to start training, to compete, I want to win and for this club to keep growing.”
Messi, who in the last two seasons could not add to his collection of major trophies with PSG, also asked fans for support. “I hope that throughout the tournament you (club fans) will continue to accompany us,” said Messi. “Personally I believe that my teammates will give everything to build this project and I am very happy to have chosen this city, chosen this project and I have no doubt we will have a great time.”
Messi left PSG because he did not renew his contract at the Parc des Princes. When he received a tempting offer from Saudi Arabia and also rumors of returning to Barcelona, La Pulga chose to move to MLS to defend Inter Miami.
The diminutive 36-year-old forward wants a new challenge in MLS which is experiencing significant growth in its near 30 years (MLS was founded in December 1993). The winner of 10 LaLiga titles with Barcelona immediately became the MLS marquee player even though he was in the worst team because they were at the bottom of the standings.Hence, messi is expected to lift Inter Miami.
