Lionel Messi thanks Miami for ‘love and kindness’, for the first time in front of 20,000 spectators

The world’s best soccer player, Lionel Messi, took center stage at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday night, walking out in front of 20,000 screaming fans for the first time since announcing his eye-watering $60 million deal. .

Supporters anxiously waited to welcome Messi to ‘The Unveil’ – a dramatic final after months of speculation over where the World Cup winning 36-year-old would choose to play after leaving French league leaders Paris Saint Germain this year. The event finally ended six weeks of eager anticipation since Messi’s June announcement – the MLS’s ‘worst kept secret’.

Shortly before 9pm, Messi appeared with his new bosses in front of fans and fireworks to reveal his new colours. Fans went wild as the centre-forward was joined on stage by the side’s president and co-owner David Beckham.

Fans chanted ‘Messi, Messi’ as the Argentine was hailed as ‘Your No. 10, Miami’s No. 10, America’s No. 10’. Fireworks and camera flashes lit up the dark Miami skies as fans watched history unfold.

Messi gave an emotional speech to his proud fan base, thanking Beckham for bringing him to the club and expressing a desire to bring a new era of success to the struggling team: “Thank you very much. First of all I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome, this affection. I want to thank you for the kindness and love you have given me. This happened so fast.

“I’m very happy to be here, to be with you. I would like to thank Jose (Mas, co-owner), David (Beckham) for the welcome. […] I am very happy that I chose this city with my family, for this project. I have no doubt we’re going to have a good time. Thank you all very much for this day.’

“It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami,” former LA Galaxy man David Beckham said emotionally of the young club’s growth.

It was the start of a busy week for Messi, who fans are hoping will play in a Leagues Cup tie against Cruz Azul on Friday, possibly alongside former team-mate Sergio Busquets, who signed for Barcelona’s MLS side this week.

There is now speculation about a possible transfer of Barcelona’s legendary defender Jordi Alba, 34, who is regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation.

The transfer window was huge for Inter Miami, who finished bottom of the table last year, with just five wins, three draws and 14 defeats.

David Beckham has helped bring a number of older names to the club from Europe over the years, including former Real Madrid and Chelsea man Gonzalo Higuain, PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi and Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs.

Beckham kicked off the festivities on Sunday by giving Messi an emotional welcome speech in which he said: ’10 years ago I started my journey to build a new MLS team.

“I said then that my dream was to bring the best players in the world to Florida and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow football in this country, who would inspire the next generation and help build a legacy in this sport.

“Please forgive me for feeling a little emotional tonight. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.

“Leo, we are so proud that you have chosen this club for the next phase of your career. Welcome to the family.’

Messi was in front of the spotlight for just a few minutes, surrounded by his family. He was pictured with team staff, who presented him with the third major strip of his star-studded career.

Born in Sante Fe, Argentina, Messi grew up playing for local club Grandoli and moved to Newell’s Old Boys from the age of six, where he scored nearly 500 goals.

Despite the discovery of a growth hormone deficiency, Messi – who is 1.75 meters tall – continued to play. He was scouted by River Plate, but they would not pay for his necessary medical treatment.

Messi was then discovered in 2000 by FC Barcelona, ​​barely a teenager. He rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s youth academy and proved himself on the pitch. He rose from the Catalan C team to the B team within two years and reached the men’s team in 2004.

The striker, who plays center and right wing, made 520 appearances for Barcelona before leaving in 2021, scoring 474 goals.

He holds the record for the most goals scored in the league, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Super Cup, and has the most recorded assists in football history.

Messi left Barcelona to spend two seasons with French league leaders Paris Saint Germain, where he formed a formidable attacking trident with Brazil’s Neymar and France’s Kylian Mbappé.

He capped off a storied career last year by winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina before announcing in June that he would be moving to Miami.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will receive money from the sale of adidas shirts and Apple MLS subscriptions, while the deal would also include an option to become part owner of the club.

Speaking to fans, David Beckham also acknowledged the signing of defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets, who played alongside Messi for many years at Barcelona.

“We are also so proud to be joined by the one and only Sergio Busquets. One of the most complete midfielders of his generation,” he said.

Busquets was revealed to his new fans just before Messi walked out.

“Hello everyone, thanks for coming,” Busquets told the crowd in English.

“I’m happy to be here in Miami, for me it’s a blessing to be part of Inter Miami and I want to thank Jorge, Jose and David for making it possible.

“I’m so excited to start training and playing with my teammates and see you.”

Beckham was photographed arriving at the stadium last night with his wife, Victoria Beckham.

David looked good in a navy blue blazer with the team’s crest and a light blue button-up shirt.

His wife, the former Spice Girl, looked chic in a white blazer and black top, while wearing oversized sunglasses.

The couple’s appearance was almost overshadowed by the weather, as a torrential downpour and a thunderstorm hit Miami.

In fact, when he walked onto the field, David lost his footing with all the cameras in the world on him.

But the experienced midfielder managed to stay upright with arms outstretched in relief.

It didn’t go unnoticed by Jorge Mas – who co-owns Miami with Beckham – when the owner jokingly waved his arms in front of him and pretended to slide over it too.