LIONEL MESSI
Inter Miami player Lionel Messi spotted shopping in Publix
The World Cup winner moved from Europe to the US, where he is already enjoying the benefits of a quieter life.
OK, I admit that ‘man goes shopping in supermarket’ is not entirely newsworthy. But when you’re Lionel Messi, things are different. The soon-to-be Inter Miami player was seen shopping in Publix, where he was out picking up some Fruit Loops and Little Bites muffins, as you do.
The only reason this is newsworthy is it highlights the incredible change to the life of the superstar: in Europe a bodyguard-filled weekly shopping trip to the supermarket would not cross the mind of the most famous footballer in the world, let alone going on your own. Messi chose MLS over Saudi Arabia, and moments like this let us know why.
A few people stopped the player to ask for photos, but nothing like what we saw when the ex-Barça player went for dinner in Argentina...
Messi enjoying the quieter life
The scenes in Argentina cause anxiety for those simply watching the video, so imagine being on the other side of the window. Now, in the US, he can (at least for now) lead something of a more relaxed life, away from the insane levels of fame that he has elsewhere. There is no hood covering his head, no sunglasses and baseball cap, no fake glasses with plastic facial hair: just Messi, a black t-shirt and some polite, smiling fans.
While fans have evidently stopped Messi and asked for a moment of his time, the demand is levels below where it would normally be for the player who is set to be presented as an official Inter Miami player in just a few days time.
When will Messi make his Inter Miami debut?
The game against Cruz Azul will probably be the first game that Tata Martino can use Lionel Messi, as Inter Miami - who have increased their stadium capacity - get their Leagues Cup campaign underway. Perhaps a break from MLS will do them good, as the team currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference and with just 5 wins from 21 games. It’s a good thing the best player ever to play the game is on the way - and he’s doesn’t have to think about doing the shopping later. If ticket prices to see Messi are too high, just hang around at your local supermarket. You never know.