Messi madness in Miami!
On Saturday, Lionel Messi (36) was officially welcomed by his new club Inter Miami. Then on Sunday there was a mega party for the world champion at DRV PNK Stadium in southern Florida – THE newcomer was presented to the fans under the motto “The Unveil”. But before the big party there was a big mess…
Inter Miami had promised an “exciting night of entertainment, on-pitch speeches and more” for the special event on Sunday night (local time). Almost 20,000 spectators flocked to the stadium in an exuberant party atmosphere. Suddenly, a violent storm broke out – and chaos! It stormed and poured so badly that the stadium security left their posts and asked the fans to get to safety.
For a short time there was tumultuous conditions. The fans broke through the gates and squeezed through the stadium entrances. The Messi party was interrupted even before it started. Hopefully not a bad omen…
When the storm was over, the event could begin – with a delay of two hours. David Beckham (48), co-owner of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, took to the pitch as Messi arrived at the stadium with his family.
Beckham opened the Messi show with the words: “Tonight is a typical reception in Miami for one of the greatest players who has ever played.” And further: “The fact that we have our fans here celebrating this moment … this is what we have created and we are very proud of it.”
Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s main owner, added: “We dreamed of bringing not only top players and the best players, but also the best player to ever put on the boots – and his name is Lionel Andrés Messi.”
The fans were over the moon – and then finally there was ER. Lionel Messi emerged from behind a curtain, ran across the rain-soaked pitch and approached David Beckham to hug him. Messi’s first words: “Thank you very much. Good evening!”
He thanked for the great reception “I’m very touched to be here in Miami, to be with you,” said the world champion. “I would like to thank you all on behalf of my family for the kindness you have shown me.”
Bienvenido Messi!
Messi explained: “I really want to start training and competing, I want to win and make sure this club keeps growing. (…) and I am very happy to have chosen this city and this project and I have no doubt that we will have a great time and experience very nice things.”
Visibly moved, he received his pink jersey, number 10 of course, just like Pelé when he was playing for the New York Cosmos.
Messi’s team-mate Sergio Busquets (34), who was also officially unveiled, will wear his traditional number 5 shirt, just like he did for 15 years at Barcelona.
Messi’s teammate Sergio Busquets (34, 2nd from left) with his new jersey
Present at the stadium: Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo and his three sons
By being officially announced as a new Inter Miami player, Messi has officially ended his 19-year stay in Europe. A new chapter in his career has now begun.
Because of the storm, the fans had to wait a little longer for their new number 10
According to the club, his contract runs for two seasons until 2025. As the AP news agency reports, the seven-time world footballer should earn between 50 and 60 million dollars a year.
Messi’s contract with his old club Paris Saint-Germain expired after two years, and he did not return to his long-time team FC Barcelona. In a recent interview with Argentinian TV station Televisión Pública, the offensive player emphasized that he didn’t just want to end his career in North America, but wanted to make a difference.
Messi’s first appearance in the new kit is set to be on July 21 when Miami open the ‘Leagues Cup’ against Mexican club Cruz Azul.
Surprising Statements Messi would have done that without a world title
