MLS
What did Lionel Messi say at his presentation as an Inter Miami player?
The former Barcelona superstar was unveiled by David Beckham at DRV PNK Stadium and could debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Lionel Messi is officially an Inter Miami player. Amid the fireworks, the blaring music, the cheering crowds, the flashing lights and the pouring rain, the lasting imagine from the Argentine’s unveiling at DRV PNK Stadium is him standing alongside David Beckham and the Mas brothers holding the baby pink number 10 shirt.
Although Messi has generally been a man of relatively few words throughout his career, he has certainly opened up to the media with age and spoke for a couple of minutes as he was paraded in front of his “new” fans in Miami.
Messi’s first words as an Inter Miami player
“I want to thank the people of Miami for the welcome they have given me and the affection they have shown me since I arrived in the city,” Messi began. “The truth is that I am very excited, very happy to be here in Miami and to be with you. Obviously, I want to thank Jorge (Mas), Jose (Mas) and David (Beckham) and their families too, for making us feeling at home so quickly these last few days. It’s been really easy, it’s been amazing. I can’t wait to start training and competing. I come here with the same desire to compete, desire to win and help the club continue to grow.”
“I hope that throughout this time you will continue to support us as you have done since the season began,” he continued. “I don’t have any doubt that we’re going to give our all to achieve our goals. I also want to take the opportunity to thank my teammates for the welcome they’ve give me and the affection they’ve shown me. 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 here. Thank you all very much for such a special day.”
Beckham: “A dream come true”
Jorge Mas and Beckham also spoke, with the former Real Madrid star somewhat emotional as he presented one of soccer’s all-time greatest players to supporters of the club he helped found just over five years ago.
“Ten years ago, I began my journey to build a new MLS team. I said then, I dreamed of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country.
“We are so glad you are all here to celebrate this incredible moment, a moment that will be seen around the world as a great player and an incredible person joins our family. So forgive me for feeling a little emotional tonight, because it really is a dream come true. So welcome, Lionel Messi, to Inter Miami.”
Messi with work to do in South Florida
Messi’s debut has been pencilled in for Friday 21 July, when Inter Miami take on Cruz Azul in their first match of the new Leagues Cup, although Herons boss Gerardo Martino has cast some doubt over the fitness of the Argentine superstar. Messi’s ex-Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets was also unveiled on Sunday and the pair will have to quickly work their magic to turn the club’s fortunes around: the Florida side sit last in both the Eastern Conference and the overall standings after losing 14 of their first 22 MLS games this season.