Roughly three years after Inter Miami's pursuit of Lionel Messi began, the international superstar received a formal introduction Sunday before a packed house at DRV PNK Stadium.
The event was delayed more than an hour due to rain and thunderstorms in the area. Still, Messi and Inter Miami's other newest signing, Sergio Busquets, received a hero's welcome once the festivities started.
Welcome to @InterMiamiCF, Sergio. pic.twitter.com/zGAdE0KcA4
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2023
Unsurprisingly, Messi's unveiling drew plenty of attention, with fans, media and stars on hand, including an emotional David Beckham, who helped introduce Messi, saying , "It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami."
So when I came to the media entrance for the last Inter Miami game there was a queue of one person.
— Alex Kay-Jelski (@AlexKayJelski) July 16, 2023
Today there are video crews and journalists from across the world for Lionel Messi’s unveiling event.
Let’s hope he’s got a song or something prepared. pic.twitter.com/lFUKyeq6R7
Tonight, Inter Miami officially introduces Lionel Messi to MLS.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 16, 2023
Fans are packed at the stadium’s gates, even as the event enters a weather delay.pic.twitter.com/1JUV0BQOSN
Inter Miami season-ticket holders had first dibs at grabbing free entry to Messi's intro or "La PresentaSíon." The remaining seats ultimately sold out with a starting price of $118 a pop. A ticket for Messi's playing debut in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match on July 21 against Cruz Azul will cost you at least $275.
Messi is a living legend on the pitch and undoubtedly the most historic transfer in the history of MLS. A seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, European soccer's MVP award, Messi isn't the first star to join the MLS ranks from overseas. Still, he's arguably the most prominent, even over the likes of Beckham and Thierry Henry.
There's no telling what kind of impact Messi could have on the sport in the U.S., but he could help bring more than just his talents to Inter Miami. As former star-turned-manager Wayne Rooney said, "It's all set for" Messi in Miami, whose arrival makes the club a destination.
"He's got all his mates over! Busquets and Jordi Alba have signed for Inter Miami and maybe [Andres] Iniesta will join them. Luis Suarez too," Rooney said via The Times of London. "Messi has a coach [Tata Martino] he likes and trusts. It's huge, especially with what's going on in Saudi, for the MLS to attract Messi.”
Sunday's big night is only the beginning of Messi-mania. Apple TV plans also to provide live coverage of Messi's first training session, all 77 Leagues Cup matches and 18 different camera angles for Inter Miami games from which to choose.
Apple has launched its "enhanced" MLS coverage plan following the signing of Lionel Messi:
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 17, 2023
▪️ 1-hour unveiling special
▪️ Live streaming of Messi's first training
▪️ All 77 Leagues Cup matches
▪️ 18 cameras for Inter Miami matches — including slow-motion cameras, Skycam, drone pic.twitter.com/lVdDVeXvYu
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