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MLS

Argentina takes over DRV PNK Stadium for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami presentation

Hundreds of Argentine fans have gathered outside Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium to celebrate Messi’s arrival.

Fans gather outside DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, 2023, prior to the presentation of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi as the newest player for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami CF. (Photo by GIORGIO VIERA / AFP)
GIORGIO VIERAAFP

A few hours before the official presentation of Lionel Messi as a new Inter Miami player, the Argentine community living in Miami and South Florida gathered in the parking lots of the club’s stadium to celebrate the World Cup winner’s arrival.

Messi chants in Miami

Messias 305, referring to the Miami area code, is the name of the group that led the celebration in Fort Lauderdale. More than a hundred fans sang songs about their hero Messi and the Argentina national team while enjoying an Argentine asado with two grills that looked like they had been brought directly from Rosario.

Argentine atmosphere for Messi

“El Messias is the greatest, he came to Miami to change history... ‘Y ya lo ve, y ya lo ve, esta es la hinchada de Lionel,’” they chanted on the south side of the DRV PNK Stadium.

In addition to the asado and the music, fernet - a typical Argentine drink - and mate were being passed around among the supporters. Boca, River, Tigre, Racing, Newell’s and Inter Miami jerseys mingled in the crowd. Messi will not be alone in his new MLS adventure.