The world’s best soccer player, Lionel Messi, took center stage at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday night, walking out in front of 20,000 screaming fans for the first time since his $60m-a-year-deal was announced.
Supporters waited anxiously to welcome Messi at ‘The Unveil’ – a dramatic finale to months of speculation over where the World Cup-winning 36-year-old would choose to play after leaving French league-leaders PSG this year. The event finally put to bed six weeks of eager anticipation since Messi’s announcement in June.
Shortly before 9pm, Messi appeared with his new bosses in front of fans and fireworks to reveal his new colors, holding up his #10 shirt to cameras. Fans went wild as the center-forward was joined on stage by the side’s president and co-owner, David Beckham, who described it as ‘a dream come true’.
Fans chanted out ‘Messi, Messi’ as the Argentine was brought forward for the presentation as ‘Your No. 10, Miami’s No. 10, America’s No. 10’. Fireworks and camera flashes lit up the dark Miami sky as fans watched history unfold.
Messi gave an emotional speech to his proud fanbase, joined by his wife and children and seen hugging and thanking Beckham for bringing him to the club: ‘I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome, this affection. I want to thank you for the kindness and love that you have given me. I am very happy to have chosen this city with my family, to have chosen this project. I have no doubt that we are going to have a good time.’
The former Barcelona man was revealed to have touched down in Miami only last Tuesday, moving into a $9m apartment with his wife, Antonela, and their three sons. Adoring fans were already pictured greeting their hero as he got into the rhythm of American life.
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (2nd L) is presented by (from R) owners of Inter Miami CF David Beckham, Jose R. Mas and Jorge Mas as the newest player for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF, at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, 2023
New signings Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets take a photograph during the unveiling
New Inter Miami signing Lionel Messi with owner David Beckham during the unveiling
Lionel Messi, David Beckham and their families at Messi’s presentation at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo and his son look on during ‘The Unveil’ introducing Lionel Messi hosted by Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale
It was the start of a busy week for Messi, who fans hope will play on Friday in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, potentially alongside former teammate Sergio Busquets, who signed for the MLS side from Barcelona this week.
The transfer window has been huge for Inter Miami who finished bottom of the table last year, with just five wins, three draws and 14 losses.
David Beckham has helped bring a number of ageing names to the club from Europe over the years, including former Real Madrid and Chelsea man Gonzalo Higuaín, PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi, and Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs.
Beckham started the celebrations on Sunday by giving Messi an emotional welcome speech of his own saying: ’10 years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team.
‘I said then that I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world Florida and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next generation and help build a legacy in this sport.
‘Please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
‘Leo, we are so proud you have chosen this club for the next stage of your career. Welcome to the family.’
Messi was only in front of the spotlights for a few minutes, surrounded by his family. He was pictured with team staff, who presented him with the third major strip of his star-studded career.
Born in Sante Fe, Argentina, Messi grew up playing for local club Grandoli and moved to Newell’s Old Boys from the age of six, scoring nearly 500 goals.
Despite the discovery of a growth hormone deficiency, Messi – who stands at 5ft 7 – continued playing. He was scouted by River Plate, but they would not pay for his needed medical treatment.
Messi was then discovered by FC Barcelona in 2000, barely a teenager. He rose through the ranks at Barcelona’s youth academy and proved himself on the pitch, climbing from the Catalan side’s C team to its B team within two years and reaching the men’s top-flight team in 2004.
The forward, who plays centrally and on the right wing, made 520 appearances for Barcelona before leaving in 2021, during which time he scored 474 goals.
He holds the record for the most goals in the league, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Super Cup, and has the most recorded assists in soccer history.
Messi left Barcelona to spend two seasons with French league-leaders Paris Saint Germain, forming a fearsome attacking trident with Brazil’s Neymar and France’s Kylian Mbappe.
He topped off a legendary career last year, winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina before announcing in June he would be moving to Miami.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will bank money from adidas shirt sales and Apple MLS subscriptions, while the deal is also said to include an option that could see him become a part-owner of the club.
Lionel Messi, David Beckham and their families at Messi’s presentation at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi during his Inter Miami unveiling at the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, July 16
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi waves as he is presented as the newest player for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF, at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16
Lionel Messi speaks to the crowd as he is unveiled as a new Inter Miami signing at the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, on Sunday July 16, 2023
A fan poses at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, as Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi is presented as the newest player for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF
A fan waves a flag at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, 2023, as Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi is presented as the newest player for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF
Speaking to fans, David Beckham also acknowledged the signing of defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets, who played alongside Messi for years at Barcelona.
‘We are also so proud to be joined by the one and only Sergio Busquets. One of the most complete midfield players of his generation,’ he said.
Busquets was unveiled to his new fans moments before Messi walked out.
‘Hello everyone, thank you for coming,’ Busquets said, speaking to the crowd in English.
‘I’m happy to be here in Miami, for me it’s a blessing to be part of Inter Miami and I want to thank Jorge, Jose, David for making it possible.
‘I’m so excited to start training and playing with my team-mates and see you soon.’
Beckham was pictured last night arriving at the stadium with his wife, Victoria Beckham.
David cut a dapper figure in a navy blazer featuring the team’s crest and a pale blue button-up shirt.
His wife, the former Spice Girl, looked chic in a white blazer and black top, while accessorizing with oversized sunglasses.
The couple’s appearance was almost overshadowed by the weather, as torrential downpour and a lighting storm hit Miami.
When making his way out onto the field, David was even seen to lose his balance with all the world’s camera on him.
But the veteran midfielder managed to stay on his feet with arms outstretched in relief.
It didn’t go unnoticed by Jorge Mas – who owns Miami with Beckham – as the owner jokingly waved his arms out in front of him, pretending to slip over as well.
Dapper: David Beckham arrives at DRV PNK Stadium before Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi is introduced at the unveil event and press conference in Florida on Sunday
Glam: Victoria looked typically chic in a white blazer and black top, while accessorizing with oversized sunglasses
Co-owner David Beckham speaks during “The Unveil” introducing Lionel Messi hosted by Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Lionel Messi, David Beckham and their families at Messi’s presentation at Inter Miami