Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas hailed Lionel Messi as 'America's No 10' as he welcomed the World Cup winner to his new team at Sunday's unveiling.
Mas, who with Beckham has pulled out all the stops to bring Messi to Major League Soccer, gave the final speech before Messi made his way out onto the DRV PNK Stadium for the first time as a Miami player.
And his words to the 20,000 fans in attendance showed just how huge a move Messi's is for the reputation of soccer across the United States.
Tonight is a gift and celebration to the city that opened its arms to my family,' said the Cuban-American businessman.
'Tonight we are doing this in the rain. This is holy water! This is our moment! Our moment to change the football landscape in this country.
'When David and I first met and we dreamt of what Inter Miami represents, it started off with the freedom to dream.
'And we dreamed of not only bringing elite players and the best players but the best player to ever don boots — and his name is Lionel Andres Messi.
Then, with Messi about to walk out into the stadium, Mas announced: 'Your new number 10, America's number 10.'
Messi revealed last month he had decided to join the Florida side as his contract with Paris St Germain came to an end.
With the deal now officially done, Messi is in line to make his debut for his new employers on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi arrives after a season in which he helped his country to World Cup glory in Qatar, as well as PSG to the Ligue 1 title, as in his first campaign with them in 2021-22.
That adds to an already huge trophy haul on his CV that features four Champions League successes from his years with Barcelona, for whom he scored a staggering total of 672 goals.
Joining Miami sees Messi – who has also netted more than 100 international goals – reunite with boss Gerardo Martino, who he previously worked under with Barca and Argentina.
Martino was appointed in June after the club sacked Beckham’s ex-Manchester United team-mate Phil Neville.
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Source: Daily Mail
BDST: 1134 HRS, JULY 17, 2023
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