Lionel Messi’s unveiling was nearly upstaged by lightning, torrential rain and a David Beckham slip

The official timeline for ‘La PresentaSÍon’ promised the action would begin around 6:30 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale. They’re kind of right about that. It would take place in midfield. Instead, it came in the air above the DRV PNK stadium: a flash of light and then a boom that shook the foundations of this temporary ground.

At least Inter Miami can always say that the Lionel Messi era started with a bang. It’s just a pity that for a while the fireworks and festivities fell victim to thunder and lightning and black clouds and driving rain.

They have had record temperatures here in recent days and the mood around Inter Miami is also approaching feverish. However, for most of Sunday night, the podium set up halfway glistened not with football’s greatest star, but with the debris of a tropical storm that threatened to rain down on the biggest parade in MLS history.

Pity the poor staff whose job consisted of mopping the runway even while the skies remained open. But finally, around 8:30 p.m., this stadium went dark again and the South Florida sky was once again on fire. Fortunately, these fireworks were part of the show.

Rain was still falling in Fort Lauderdale, but the stands were packed and the first cries of “Messi, Messi” were heard.

Messi was introduced to Inter Miami supporters alongside co-owner David Beckham (right)

Beckham almost slipped as he walked on the rain-soaked platform

They had been waiting six weeks for this night since the World Cup winner announced his move to Florida.

When it finally rolled around, they had to wait a little longer. They had to wait for co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas to shuffle across the wet platform – Beckham came dangerously close to a skid – and have their say. They had to wait for fellow newcomer Sergio Busquets to get the shortest reveal.

But finally, shortly before 9pm, Messi – “your No. 10, Miami’s No. 10, America’s No. 10” according to Mas – came into the light. Up went the decibels, up went more fireworks. There was the new pink shirt on which Messi was depicted: 10.

He was gone a few minutes later, flanked by his family. It was short, but for the supporters who braved the elements, how sweet. The hope for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer is that Sunday night marks the beginning of a marriage that will change sport in the United States forever.

All captured in beautiful high definition too. Apple and Major League Soccer have announced special arrangements for Inter Miami now that Messi is in town. The club’s matches include “enhanced” TV production, including 18 cameras, Skycam and a drone.

This new era began on Sunday evening, with Skycam providing “unique angles of Messi’s reveal”. For a moment it seemed that they would only provide enhanced images of a flood. Fortunately, the event survived.

Next step for Messi? Training on Tuesday and then his debut, here on Friday against Cruz Azul. So you can forgive the cliches and cringes of Beckham and Mas. This was a bold deal that originated in 2019. “Tonight that dream comes true,” said Mas.

Just hours after this move became official, however, came the final, stark reminder of the reality Messi will face when all the glitz and glitter finally gives way to football. On Saturday evening, Inter Miami was beaten 3-0 by St Louis.

Messi thanked Beckham and said Miami’s owners have made “everything easy” for him

But the unveiling was postponed after a violent storm hit the DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale

At one point, the weather around the stadium threatened to derail the evening program

It was Tata Martino’s first game in charge. Their winless streak is now 11 games; they have the fewest points of all 29 MLS teams. They need a little miracle to make the playoffs. Their team needed reinforcements. Time will tell how much magic is left in this 36 year old list.

It doesn’t hurt that Messi is surrounded by familiar faces. On Sunday, Inter Miami confirmed the signing of his former Barcelona team-mate Busquets. Jordi Alba is expected to join them. Busquets’ move was announced shortly before 4 p.m.

By then, fans had already gathered outside the DRV PNK stadium for several hours. They were scattered on the ground; many set up camp in the shadows. As the sun blazed and the clock ticked towards evening, fans painted a tapestry of Messi’s life and times.

There were Inter Miami jerseys and bucket hats dedicated to their new No. 10. There were Argentine uniforms – both rugby and football – but also the colors of Barcelona and even Newell’s Old Boys, the legendary Argentine side that Messi once called home. One fan, walking through the fan zone, wore a black t-shirt with only one image on it: a goat.

Supporters enjoyed a kickabout under the palm trees nearby. By 4pm the car park across the street was buzzing with noise and food and colour. The tailgating had begun and before long the fireworks had begun as well.

Fort Lauderdale was about to boil. And then the gods took over. Soon the only flashes and booms had descended from the sky above us. The sky above the DRV PNK Stadium was already turning black when the first warnings sounded through the speakers.

Supporters in Florida had to seek shelter from wind and torrential rain on Sunday

Fireworks light up the Fort Lauderdale sky as Messi is unveiled as an Inter Miami player

Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets was revealed earlier in the evening

Supporters were warned to leave the stands and seek shelter. There was lightning coming and also delays. Downstairs, the stage, the lights, the smoke machines, the TVs – everything was covered in tarpaulin and prepared for the storm.

Around 6 pm, half an hour before the entertainment was to start, the rain and wind came. They were a brutal combination. Supporters sought refuge in stairs and gangways. Ponchos were blown off their backs, the sets on the field also had a hard time.

Meanwhile, chaos broke out outside the stadium as well. Drenched fans broke through at least one security gate and poured in, over the turnstiles and under cover. It went on and on.

This corner of South Florida was still drenched in rain when the show started and the stands started to fill up again. Watch farcical scenes in the center circle, where DJs and dancers waltzed across the stage while the crew mopped water around them. They had planned about two hours of music and entertainment before Messi came out.

Fortunately, the delays meant that the schedule was reversed. Storms are part of life here. It was even suggested that by shopping at Publix and then seeing the best-laid plans floundered by a downpour, Messi had enjoyed a fitting start to his life in South Florida.

Late on Sunday night, with the music still blaring, he came back onto the field to wave to supporters and watch his kids kick a ball. Soon it will be his turn.