LIONEL MESSI is set to be unveiled as an Inter Miami player today, with the Argentina superstar becoming the biggest star in MLS history.
David Beckham has bent over backward to sign the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain icon, who won the World Cup with Argentina just eight months ago.
Inter Miami announced the arrival of Messi on Saturday and he will meet the fans at the DRV PNK Stadium alongside ex-Barca boss Gerardo Martino.
Stay up to date with all the latest from Lionel Messi’s unveiling…
‘OVERJOYED’
Lionel Messi will be available to play for Inter Miami against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul on 21 July in their opening match of Leagues Cup.
And it is not only him and David Beckham that cannot wait to see him in action.
MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our league and our sport in North America.
“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.
“We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”
Credit: Getty ‘COULDN’T BE PROUDER’
INTER owner David Beckham has also been speaking about pulling off the huge coup.
The England and Man Utd legend said: “10 years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamed of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
“[I wanted] players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy, to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
“Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
“The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
‘VERY EXCITED’
Lionel Messi struggled to contain his emotions after officially joining MLS side Inter Miami on a deal that runs until the end of 2025.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 36, left French champions Paris St-Germain last month.
And ahead of his official unveiling later, he said: “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
Messi brings his wife and kids to Miami
The world’s biggest football star has brought his wife Antonella to Florida, along with their three sons.
She has known the Barcelona star since she was five years old as her cousin, Lucas Scaglia, was a childhood friend of his.
If Messi has a reputation of being shy, this was certainly not the case in his pursuit of Antonela, as he regularly visited her home from a young age, just to see her.
It is not known how long the pair have been together behind closed doors, but they went public with their relationship in 2008.
The bond between the couple was believed to have strengthened in 2007, when Messi flew back to Rosario to comfort Antonela after the death of her friend.
The pair have been inseparable ever since and celebrated on the pitch together with the three boys after the World Cup final in Qatar.
Credit: Getty ‘The dream becomes a reality’
David Beckham has finally got his man – and has been delighted to share it.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend has posted a picture alongside the ex-Barcelona man.
And Becks’ grin could hardly be wider.
Last night’s Messi announcement
Inter Miami put together a slick ‘welcome to Miami’ video to announce Messi as their new player.
In the video a graffiti artist sprays his name in the Inter Miami font on a screen, before cutting to Messi with the city’s skyline behind him.
When is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut?
Needless to say, he will NOT be making his US debut in in the MLS All Stars clash against Arsenal.
Instead, Messi will play for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
That takes place at the DRV PNK Stadium on July 22 at 1am UK / 8pm ET.
Mega contract – how much Messi is earning at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s new deal is worth $150million or £115m.
That equates to $60m a year and $1.1m a WEEK.
He gets his regular salary, a signing-on bonus and a share in the club.
Revenue-sharing agreements with Adidas and Apple have been negotiated as part of Messi’s Miami salary.
There really has never been anything like it in MLS history.
Blink and you’ll Mess it
Hello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Lionel Messi’s unveiling from the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.
The MLS – and more importantly Inter Miami – have finally got their man.David Beckham and the team have been trying relentlessly to get some top talent from Europe to the MLS, just as he did in 2007 when he moved to LA Galaxy.
And now, Messi joins the likes of Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and Andrea Pirlo to make the move Stateside.
After playing for some of the most historic clubs in Europe, Messi has arrived at one of the MLS’ newest clubs.
Inter Miami only played their first match in 2018, but in that time they have been trying to woo the Argentina ace.
The timings have finally aligned, Messi arrives as a world champion and content that he has won every trophy that matters in the club and international game.
He is ready to be the latest name to add legitimacy and quality to the MLS’ growing reputation to go with its impressive crowds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
