Lionel Messi is now ready to be introduced as an Inter Miami CF player this Sunday, July 16. Without a doubt, the signing of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and winning captain at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup became the signing of the year for Major League Soccer (MLS) and Leagues Cup 2023.
The anticipation in Miami is already strong and on social networks, the media and soccer fans are expectant about Messi's first words in an Inter Miami CF shirt.
What time does Messi's presentation at Inter Miami CF start?
The gates to DRV PNK Stadium will open at 6:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. CDMX) for ticket holders to enter. Half an hour later, the event called “La Revelación” will begin, where Lionel Messi will be presented and it will be the kickoff to a real party with a live show in a packed DRV PNK Stadium. The broadcast will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CDMX).
How can you watch Messi's presentation at Inter Miami CF?
The official presentation, called "Bienvenido Messi", can be seen on Apple TV+, the TV/Streaming platform that is responsible for broadcasting Messi's main events in North American soccer. Not only will his first words as an Inter Miami CF player be aired there but also every minute of his Leagues Cup 2023 and MLS matches.
When will Messi's debut in Leagues Cup 2023 be?
Messi could debut on the opening night of Leagues Cup 2023, on July 21, when his new team hosts Cruz Azul in the first of two Group South 3 matches. Group will face the winner of the tournament's inaugural edition of 2019 at 20:00 hrs. ET (6:00 p.m. CDMX) at DRV PNK Stadium. It will be the first time that the striker faces the team from Mexico City.
La Pulga's first match could also be against a rival Argentine, as his new team will face Atlanta United FC on July 25, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CDMX). Four days later, their two rivals will face each other in the last group game. In the match against Atlanta United FC, Messi could face another Argentine world champion, Thiago Almada.
In the event of finishing first or second in their group, Inter Miami CF will face a team from South Group 2 - which includes their interstate rival Orlando City - or from South Group 4 in the round of 16. These matches will take place between August 2 and 4.
