Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami for his first match in the MLS has sparked excitement and curiosity among football fans around the globe. Ever since the news broke that the Major League Soccer club was in the process of signing the Argentine legend and FIFA World Cup 2022 winner, anticipation has been building.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, touched down in Florida on Tuesday after departing from his previous club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). While his official transfer to Inter Miami is yet to be finalized, it is expected to be completed in the coming days.
The moment that fans have been eagerly waiting for might take place during the half-time of the Gold Cup final on Sunday, July 16. Reports suggest that Inter Miami, along with the MLS, CONCACAF, Fox, and Univision, are currently in discussions to broadcast a portion of the unveiling ceremony. This would give fans a glimpse of Messi’s official introduction as a member of Inter Miami. The event, aptly named ‘The Unveil,’ is scheduled for 8pm ET on Sunday (1am BST on Monday) at the DRV Pink Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Interestingly, this timing coincides with the kick-off of the Gold Cup final, adding to the excitement surrounding the occasion.
While the exact date of Messi’s first match for Inter Miami is yet to be officially confirmed, it is widely anticipated that he will make his debut on July 21. This much-anticipated game is expected to be a Leagues Cup match against the Mexican team Cruz Azul. The venue for this landmark occasion will be the DRV PNK Stadium, which currently serves as Inter Miami’s temporary home until their permanent stadium in Miami is established.
Inter Miami has also made a significant coaching announcement, revealing that Gerardo “Tata” Martino has been hired as the head coach. This appointment sets the stage for a reunion between Martino and Messi, as the former coached the latter during their time together at both Barcelona and the Argentina national team. The signing of Martino, who led Atlanta United to an MLS championship in 2018 and was named the league’s coach of the year, has generated further excitement among Inter Miami supporters.
Martino will be taking over from Phil Neville, who was relieved of his coaching duties four weeks ago. Inter Miami’s performance in the MLS has been subpar this season, with a record of 5-13-0, currently the worst among the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference. The hope is that the arrival of Lionel Messi, along with the coaching expertise of Gerardo Martino, will inject new energy and motivation into the team, ultimately leading to improved results on the field.
To address some frequently asked questions, Messi’s first match for Inter Miami is expected to take place on July 21 in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul. As for his official signing with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi landed in Florida on Tuesday and will be completing his move to the club in the coming days.
The arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami has undoubtedly generated immense excitement, not just among Inter Miami fans but also among football enthusiasts worldwide. The anticipation surrounding his first match in the MLS and the prospect of seeing him showcase his extraordinary skills on American soil has reached fever pitch. As the countdown to his debut continues, fans eagerly await the moment when Messi dons the Inter Miami jersey and takes to the field to create history in the Major League Soccer.