Fans braved the cold to welcome one of the greatest soccer players ever to their home at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday, and not even South Florida’s rain could dampen Lionel Messi’s parade as he made his debut for Inter Miami.
Messi told the crowd at the stadium in Fort Lauderdale, “I want to thank the people of Miami for this welcome since I arrived in this city.
Sincerely, I’m really glad and eager to be with you and here in Miami. I can’t wait to get into training and compete. I arrive here with the same ambition to compete, want to triumph, and desire to support the club’s expansion.
“I hope that throughout this time you continue to support us as you have since the season began,” Messi continued. “I’m 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. Thank you all very much for this day.”
The festivities were supposed to start at 6:30 p.m. ET, but a two-hour weather delay occurred due to severe rain and thunder.
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Beckham informed the fans, “I started my adventure to develop a new MLS franchise ten years ago. “I said back then that I had a dream of bringing the finest players in the world to Miami and South Florida. players who were motivated by our desire to develop football in this nation.
Beckham stated, “We are thrilled that you are all here to celebrate this magnificent occasion, a time that will be seen by people all around the world as a truly great athlete and amazing person joins our family.
So if I seem a little emotional tonight, please pardon me; this is truly a dream come true. Lionel Messi is therefore warmly welcomed to Inter Miami.
Mas then gave the audience a speech of inspiration.
“This is a city that’s built on dreams, hard work, and sacrifice, and emblazoned on our jersey is a saying that says ‘Freedom to dream’ — and that will always be this team’s mantra,” he said. “Today marks the beginning of a new adventure and chapter. There will always be a Lionel Messi before and after.
We’re doing this in the rain tonight, Miami-style. This water is holy.
On July 21, against Cruz Azul of the Liga MX, Messi, 36, is anticipated to make his Inter Miami debut. This will be the first game of the Leagues Cup.
Sergio Busquets, a former colleague of Messi’s at Barcelona, was also signed by Inter Miami on Sunday. The midfielder was introduced beside Messi at the soggy event. He played with the Spanish team that won three Champions League titles and nine La Liga championships.