This Tuesday saw Lionel Messi report to training for the first time with Inter Miami CF, with his debut at Leagues Cup 2023 on Friday fast approaching. The team will be playing their first match in the South 3 pool against Cruz Azul, at DRV PNK Stadium at 8:00pm ET (6:00pm in Mexico City).
The Argentinian star, along with Sergio Busquets, were on-site at the Inter Miami training facilities, the Florida Blue Training Center, where hundreds of fans and the press were eager to get a glimpse of the forward in action.
"See you again on Friday", had been the message Messi sent out to his new fans after his unveiling on Sunday.
Today, he was welcomed to training by his new teammates, who gave him a customary guard of honour as he stepped out onto the pitch, as they did with Busquets as well. The World Cup champion then got down to business, starting out with a light warm-up jog with the rest of the squad before moving on to some on-the-ball exercises.
The former Barcelona man was seen deep in conversation with Venezuelan forward Josef Martínez, who he'll be partnering in the Inter Miami attack. Martínez has 6 goals in 20 appearances so far in MLS this season.
Another notable attendee was the team's President and Co-Owner David Beckham. The former midfielder was also at the Argentine's unveiling on Sunday, where he took the time to reflect on the growth that MLS has experienced since his arrival in 2007.
Friday evening will see this summer's edition of Leagues Cup kick off, with five games taking place. Messi's eagerly-anticipated debut will come against Cruz Azul, and can be watched through the MLS Season Pass. Both sides will be looking to spark an upturn in form, with the LIGA MX side sitting bottom of their league and Inter Miami winless since May.
