‘Messimania’ takes hold as Inter Miami arrive in El Salvador

Once again, the phenomenon known as Messimania has demonstrated that wherever Lionel Messi touches down on planet Earth, a fervent crowd also materialises to express their love for the Argentine. These expectant fans hope for just a fleeting moment of attention from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, treasuring it as a priceless memory.

The starting destination of Inter Miami’s global tour is El Salvador, a nation deeply immersed in the culture of soccer, where Jorge ‘Mágico’ Gonzalez, its greatest ever idol, is still revered. Despite recent setbacks for their national team, El Salvador boasts one of the most devoted fanbases in Central America. This unwavering support was palpable in the early hours of Friday morning when Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami squad arrived to participate in a friendly match against La Selecta.

Security beefed up ahead of Messi arrival

After midnight, the aircraft transporting Messi and his entourage from Miami landed in El Salvador, unleashing an unparalleled euphoria that only rare moments in football can evoke. On this particular occasion, the presence of the globally acclaimed best player in the world heightened the excitement to unprecedented levels.

Upon learning that Inter Miami, particularly Messi, would be making the journey to El Salvador, hundreds, and potentially even thousands, of fans promptly flocked to the hotel designated for the Herons. However, the team opted for a direct route to the hotel, leaving the fans only with the memory of the bus’s arrival. This decision was implemented as part of a robust security protocol, already made clear in the days preceding their arrival.

Full screen

Inter Miami and Messi arrived early Friday morning

The arrival of the MLS side sent shockwaves through El Salvador. Amidst the chants of ‘Messi, Messi, Messi,’ hundreds of fans gathered outside the Real Intercontinental hotel, witnessing the arrival of the bus that transported the Fort Lauderdale squad to their residence for the clash against La Selecta.

The memorable moments witnessed during the early hours of this Friday morning, upon Messi’s arrival, are bound to be just the beginning of a series of experiences etched in the memories of the people. Anticipation is high that the departure of the team to Cuscatlán this Friday afternoon will also create a special atmosphere.

Messi set to receive hero’s welcome

Children, adults, and even the elderly will gather, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to capture a photograph, video, or anything that serves as evidence of their presence during the visit of the footballer who triggers the phenomenon known as Messimania.

Similarly, there is an anticipation that the El Cuscatlán stadium will be brimming with fans, creating an atmosphere of a full capacity. Undoubtedly, whenever the opportunity arises, the crowd will join in with a standing ovation for Messi. This harkens back to an era when Mágico González held the esteemed position of being the great idol for an entire nation.

Inter Miami’s game against El Salvador and will be played on Friday January 19 with kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador.