"Messimanía" in Miami started early, despite the rain. The storm could not stop the thousands of fans who filled DRV PNK Stadium, the home of Inter Miami FC and venue for the official presentation of Lionel Messi as a player for the Florida club in Major League Soccer. La Pulga had his official presentation on what will be one of the venues in North America for this edition of Leagues Cup 2023, starting next Friday.
Leo begins a new stage in his professional career and his new club organized a special celebration to welcome him to the United States. After the delay caused by heavy rain, the event was able to resume and Fiesta Bresh played a DJ set to start off the event.
The Argentine star arrived in a black van with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and his three sons: Ciro, Thiago and Mateo, all dressed for the occasion.
Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami's other new star
The stadium was packed and the first player to be introduced was the Spanish world champion, and the club's newest signing, Sergio Busquets. “I am excited to welcome Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami,” said Jorge Mas, the team's managing partner, who added: “From day one we set out to bring the best players in the world to Inter Miami. Sergio's repertoire speaks for itself”.
The stadium exploded with applause and Busquets, once he was on the stage in the middle of the pitch, told the crowd: “This is a special and exciting opportunity and I want to take advantage of it. I look forward to this next step in my career with Inter Miami."
“I was impressed by the club when I came from Barcelona last year and now I am happy and ready to represent it. I can't wait to help achieve the success that this ambitious club strives for", said the world champion with Spain in South Africa 2010.
David Beckham, co-owner of the club, was another to take the field and added: "It is a dream to be able to fulfill the wish of bringing Lionel Messi to Inter Miami."
Minutes later and to massive applause, the Argentine made his appearance. "Thank you very much, good evening. First of all I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome and the affection since I arrived in the city, the truth is that I am very excited and happy to be here in Miami with you," he began.
Surrounded by the club's leadership he continued: “I obviously want to thank Jorge, José, David, and his family for the welcome, the love we've been shown over these last days, for making us feel at home so quickly, for making everything easy for us. For us it has been spectacular from the moment we arrived. I want to start training and start competing. I come with the desire to always win and of wanting to help the club so that it continues to grow”.
Celebrity appearances
Among the celebrities who attended the event was Messi's friend Sergio “Kun” Agüero who said: “This is going to change MLS. More players will arrive, he is the right player for this league and this will motivate other players to be here”.
In the front row was the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, who supported the decision of the Argentine star.
In addition, among the players from the squad and the Messi family, different celebrities were in attendance to witness the presentation, such as Marc Anthony who arrived at the stadium accompanied by his partner just to witness this historic event.
A storm that delayed the party
In the middle of the summer in Miami, the weather made itself known in the middle of the presentation. Although at one point that the event would happen was in doubt, the situation improved and it was only a delay. The event took place with a light and intermittent rain that did not overshadow the party and the reception for the Argentine soccer player.
What's next for Leo this week?
This Tuesday there will be an open practice, where Inter Miami CF will let the media into its complex to showcas the most important soccer signing in North America. Not only will Leo appear in training, he'll be joined by **Sergio Busquets** and the rest of the squad led by the Argentine Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
The next match for Inter Miami CF, one in which Messi could make his debut, would be the first match of Leagues Cup
2023, on July 21, when his new team hosts **Cruz Azul** in the first of two Group South 3 matches. Inter Miami CF will face the winner of the inaugural 2019 tournament at 8:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CDMX) at DRV PNK stadium.
