Lionel Messi addresses fans with co-owner David Beckham after Inter Miami unveiling in Major League Soccer
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 17/07/2023 at 08:39 GMT
Inter Miami fans erupted into raptures when they greeted Lionel Messi at the DRV PNK Stadium. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner reiterated his intent to make a big impact in Major League Soccer after two largely forgettable seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine was never universally loved in the French capital, but received a fantastic reception after being presented to the Miami fans.
Inter Miami unveil Messi in glitzy presentation
Lionel Messi was officially unveiled as an Inter Miami player in front of a packed crowd at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Approximately 20,000 fans braved the summer storms in south Florida to see the Argentina captain lift a number 10 shirt aloft.
Messi joins his former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets at the MLS side, who are co-owned by David Beckham.
A temporary grandstand was installed at Inter Miami’s ground in Fort Lauderdale to allow more fans to see his presentation.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was welcomed onto the pitch with huge razzmatazz after being called "America's number 10, the world's best number 10".
Some of the sport’s biggest names from across the States welcomed the Argentine in video messages, which included NFL legend Tom Brady and NBA superstar Stephen Curry.
Messi addressed the fans in Spanish and delivered a bullish message to those hardy fans that had braved the stormy weather.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/07/17/3745697-76203868-2560-1440.jpg)
Busquets unveiled by Inter Miami alongside former Barcelona team-mate Messi
He said: "I really want to start training, to compete. I have the same desire that I always had to compete, to want to win, to help the club continue to grow.
"I am very happy to have chosen to come to play in this city with my family, to choose this project and I have no doubt that we are going to enjoy it a lot.
"We are going to have a good time and very good things are going to happen."
The 36-year-old has moved across the Atlantic after two unhappy seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, despite scoring 32 goals and registering 35 assists in 75 appearances across all competitions.
After failing to help the Parisians to an allusive first Champions League title, his time in the French capital has been viewed as a failure.
A move away from PSG seemed inevitable when Messi was suspended after taking an unsanctioned promotional trip to Saudi Arabia.
It helped to fuel speculation that a move to the Saudi Pro League was on the horizon, but Messi rejected a chance to join Al-Hilal and opted to sign for Inter Miami instead.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/07/17/3745718-76204288-2560-1440.jpg)
Excited fans arrive for Messi's Inter Miami unveiling
Speaking at his unveiling, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham described Messi’s arrival as a “dream come true".
He said: "Leo, we are so proud that you have chosen our club for the next stage in your career."
Meanwhile, the club’s primary owner, American billionaire Jorge Mas, named Messi as “the best player ever to don boots".
The Argentine’s first game in an Inter Miami shirt looks set to be against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 in the Leagues Cup.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement