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MLS

Messi murals pop up across Miami ahead of superstar’s arrival

Various artists have taken to the streets to reflect the excitement of the fans ahead of Messi’s arrival to MLS.

Update:
Various artists have taken to the streets to reflect the excitement of the fans ahead of Messi's arrival to MLS.
GIORGIO VIERAAFP

The giant clock face that hangs in the sky over Southeastern Florida, ticking relentlessly through every window pane, door and wall across the region, is soon going to stop. Messi will soon touch down in the USA and Messimania can begin. That is, if it hasn’t already. Huge murals have recently been popping up all across the city, with various street artists jumping ahead of schedule to boost the good feelings regarding the imminent arrival and debut of the World Cup winner to MLS.

PSG let go of their star and Inter Miami pounced, signing the player many believe to be the greatest ever. It remains to be seen whether or not he can live up to the already wizard-like creators in MLS, but not many fans would be willing to bet against that task for the Argentine. The Inter Miami president believes that the new acquisition can be the starting point for making MLS one of the top three leagues in the world, and while it might not be there just yet in terms of level, Messi’s arrival certainly puts the competition high in the intrigue and interest rankings.

Where are the Messi murals in Miami?

Two Messi murals have popped up in the neighbourhood of Wynwood, northern Miami. Venezuelan stencil artist, Axel Campos, has turned an ordinary white wall into a fantastic design of the ex-Barça star, blending the player’s Argentina blue & white stripes with Inter Miami’s now-famous pink shirt. The mural sits among various designs on different buildings in the surrounding area, making the star just one of many amazing artworks to check out on a visit.

The other mural is also in Wynwood, the same area where Axel Campos chose for his design. It is not as colourful as the previously mentioned work, but the size makes up for it: the huge and incredibly realistic portrait of Messi sticks out as it looks happily across the skyline of the neighbourhood. The Argentinian Maximiliano Bagnasco is the artist behind this beautiful piece of his compatriot which clearly conveys clearly the excitement regarding the arrival of the player.

Messi may not be here yet, but his fans certainly are. And they could not be happier. The player will make his debut against Cruz Azul on 21 July with tickets for the game completely sold out. The market for tickets has gone through the roof ever since the announcement of the player and all of Inter Miami’s games, both home and away, are sold out. Messimania is real and it’s here to stay.