Lionel Messi promised to bring more silverware to Inter Miami as the club hosted a night of celebration to mark his record eighth Ballon D’Or win.
Inter Miami took on New York City FC on Friday evening in a friendly match called ‘Noche d’Or’. It also capped a seismic season that saw Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba all move to South Florida.
Messi led Inter Miami to glory in the Leagues Cup – the team’s first-ever trophy – just a few weeks after arriving in the United States.
And before kick-off on Friday evening, the 36-year-old was presented to the crowd at DRV PNK Stadium and promised more trophies for the MLS club.
“We have secured something very important: the first title for our club,” Messi said. “It was something very important because we were looking for it and we needed it.
Lionel Messi promised to bring Inter Miami more silverware after their Leagues Cup victory
Inter Miami hosted an evening of celebration to mark Messi’s record eighth Ballon D’Or
Messi added: “I had no doubt that we would enjoy and have a good time. Today I no longer doubt, just as in the beginning, much less now that next year will be much better.
‘We will continue to have fun and win more titles. I hope you are with me. Just like these months, next year we have very important things and we have to do it together.’
The World Cup winner, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, also paid tribute to Inter Miami supporters and the people of South Florida for making his family feel welcome after their arrival in July.
“It’s wonderful to share this with you all – I’ve only been here for a short time, but it feels like I’ve been here for a long time,” he added.
“I would like to thank all the people in Miami – not just those in the stadium, but everyone here – for the treatment over these months. For myself and my family. They made me feel at home. It’s a city with a lot of Latinos and I feel comfortable there.’
The World Cup winner was presented to the public at the DRV PNK Stadium before kick-off