Inter Miami Unveils Lionel Messi, Picks Jersey No.10

Despite the horrendous weather in United States of America city of Miami that made it initially seems impossible to unveil arguably, the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT), football has ever seen, Lionel Messi was finally unveiled as one of the best athletes ever to America and the MLS’ biggest signing since David Beckham’s arrival in Los Angeles, 16 years ago.

It was amidst fireworks in a fully packed stadium of fans chanting Messi’s name, setting in an electric atmosphere all around with Sergio Aguero on the sidelines as Messi’s presence in South Florida was felt by the many fans and across the globe. 

Analysts says Messi’s arrival may just be the beginning of a sporting revolution in a country where American Football, basketball and baseball attract most fans.

The Argentine’s arrival in Miami officially ended his 19-year stay in Europe opening the beginning of a new chapter in his career as the G.O.A.T. hopes to leave an indelible mark on American soils.

The club released its official portrait of Messi in the Herons’ home kit as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner aims to be match fit by July 21, when his new team faces Cruz Azul of La Liga MX in the Leagues Cup.

Sponsor of the American league, Apple TV, honored Messi’s arrival with a G.O.A.T. emoji in its ad.

Messi, his wife, Antonella and their three boys, Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7 and Ciro, 5, as well as Sergio Busquets and his family and Inter Miami club officials posed for a group photo as the ceremony all but wrapped up!

Messi’ Message

‘Thank you very much, good night. First of all I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome, this affection. I am very happy to be here, to be with you. I want to thank Jose [Mas], David [Beckham] for the welcome. They are making everything easy for us, everything has been spectacular since we arrived.

‘I really want to start training and compete. I want to win, for the club to continue growing. I hope that you will join us as we have since the season began. I thank my new colleagues for the welcome. 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.

‘Thank you all very much for this day.’

Inter Miami owner speaks of magnitude of Messi’s signing

‘Hello everyone, thank you for coming, I’m happy to be here in Miami, for me it’s a blessing to be part of Inter Miami and tonight, we’re doing this in Miami style in the rain – this is holy water… this is a city that’s built on dreams, hard work, sacrifice and emblazoned on our journey is a message: freedom to dream… there will always be a before and after Lionel Messi… this is our moment , to change the football landscape in this country….

‘We promised this city that we would dream, that we would sign the best players in the world, the best player in the world. Tonight that dreams comes true!’

Beckham’s speech to Messi and fans

‘Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team. It’s always been a dream of mine to bring the best players in the world to the club and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next gen’ and help build a legacy in this sport… joins our family… 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… we’re also so proud to be joined by the one and only Sergio Busquets. One of the most complete midfield players of his generation.

‘We are building a special club here in Miami, a club that cares about the community it serves, our fans are what makes Inter Miami unique… together we will create unforgettable memories

Like a lot of you, I can’t wait to see Leo take the field in our colors. Ladies and gentlemen the next chapter of our story starts here.’