The stands at DRV PNK Stadium (Miami, USA) had a capacity of 21.000 spectators, when Messi first brought the 8th Golden Ball to fans on November 11. On the way out to the center circle, El Pulga held the Golden Ball with just one hand.
Messi raised the Golden Ball with one hand in front of tens of thousands of Inter Miami fans (Photo: AP).
After shaking hands with the team leaders, the Inter Miami captain raised the Golden Ball high with his right hand and spun it around. The audience could not hide their excitement as this was the first time a player won this prestigious award while playing for an American team.
Messi shared with Inter Miami fans: “I have only been here for a short time, but I feel like I have been with the team for a long time. Inter Miami will play much better next season and win titles.”
Co-Presidents Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, along with American Major League Director Don Garber, shared joy with Messi (Photo: AP).
Inter Miami Co-President David Beckham organized a friendly match on November 11 for Lionel Messi to show off his 11th Golden Ball, but Inter Miami lost the match at DRV PNK’s home field.
Messi and his teammates played with dedication against New York City. The Argentine star had many opportunities but could not take advantage of them to score.
Messi played with great effort in the friendly match against New York City (Photo: AP).
Inter Miami was conceded by their opponents, after Telles Magno’s cross-angle shot in the 41st minute and Julian Fernandez’s beautiful curling shot in the 47th minute. The late effort only helped Inter Miami shorten the score. 1-2 in the 81st minute by Robbie Robinson.
In the final minute of injury time, Messi had a chance to equalize, but his free kick hit the crossbar. This was also the final situation of the match and Inter Miami lost 1-2 to New York City.
Messi and his teammates lost 1-2 to New York City (Photo: AP).
After this match, Messi will bring the Golden Ball back to Argentina, to prepare to show it off to the audience at La Bombonera’s home stadium, before the match against Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in South America on the morning of November 17. 11 days later, Argentina will have a long-awaited match with great rival Brazil.