Lionel Messi set to make Inter Miami debut in July
Since Messi's announcement to join the club, it has experienced a significant boost in social media followers
June 22, 2023
Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami on July 21, according to a report by the Miami Herald.
Club managing owner Jorge Mas informed a small group of reporters about Messi's debut date during a conversation on Monday. The highly-anticipated match will see Inter Miami face Mexico's Cruz Azul in an opening match of the Leagues Cup, taking place at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Jorge Mas, the owner of Inter Miami, revealed to the Miami Herald that the club and the seven-time world player of the Year, Lionel Messi, have agreed to a deal. However, they are still in the process of finalising the agreement. Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup victory last year and is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, expressed his intention to play for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
"I made the decision that I am going to Miami," Messi stated in an interview with Spanish outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo earlier this month. "I still haven't closed it one hundred per cent. I'm missing some things, but we decided to continue my journey there."
Jorge Mas emphasised the significance of the Messi signing, calling it "the one seminal moment" in the history of soccer in the United States. He firmly believes that Messi's arrival will elevate the sport in the country and help create one of the top two leagues in the world. Mas stressed the importance of seizing the moment and expressed his commitment, along with other owners in the league, to make the most of this opportunity.
Regarding security measures, Mas assured reporters that enhanced protocols will be implemented to safeguard Messi and the team. Security arrangements, such as dedicated bus transportation and secured tunnels, are being prepared for both home and away matches. Mas drew attention to the successful handling of security when Messi previously visited the United States with the Argentina national team before the World Cup.
Even before Messi has officially stepped onto the field for Miami, the club has experienced a significant boost in social media followers, reflecting the heightened excitement surrounding his arrival. Additionally, ticket prices across the league have skyrocketed as fans eagerly anticipate Messi's appearances with his new club. Immediately following the news of Messi's move, ticket prices for Inter Miami matches surged by over 1,000%. According to the resale website TickPick, the cheapest ticket for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul on July 21 rose from $29 to $329 within 24 hours, representing a surge of 1,034%.
The anticipation for Lionel Messi's debut with Inter Miami is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness his exceptional skills on the pitch in the MLS.
