Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi was officially unveiled as an Inter Miami player at an extravagant event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sunday night, kicking off the next stage of his storied career and bringing one of the world’s most recognizable and bankable athletes to North America.
Messi greets fans at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi was revealed to a sold-out crowd at Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium, the team’s temporary home while it builds its own dedicated venue.
Around 20,000 people reportedly braved one of Florida’s renowned summer storms to greet the star for his first official appearance since he announced his decision to join the club in June——additional seating was erected to expand capacity at the 18,000 capacity stadium.
Messi was hailed as “America’s number 10, the world’s best number 10” and welcomed with a pink No 10 jersey bearing his name.
Speaking in Spanish, the star said he is “very moved to be here in Miami” and is “anxious to train and compete,” adding that he wants to help the club win and grow.
David Beckham, British co-owner of Inter Miami and a global soccer star in his own right, said the event marked a “typical Miami welcome for one of the greatest players to ever have played the game.”
Messi was revealed to a sold-out crowd of 20,000 (AFP via Getty Images)
Messi poses with Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, Jose R Mas and David Beckham, Jose R. Mas, one of the ... [+]
Messi is widely considered one of soccer’s best players and is one of the sporting world’s most recognizable and bankable stars. His decision to leave Europe and compete in North America’s Major Soccer League marks the first time he will play for a non-European club. His signing with Inter Miami came as something of a shock to those following the star as it reportedly meant turning down a highly lucrative deal to play in Saudi Arabia and other potential deals to continue playing in Europe, including a possible reunion with his former home of FC Barcelona, where he played for nearly 20 years. He is joining the MLS club after two years playing for Paris Saint-Germain. His contract with Inter Miami will reportedly pay him between $50 million and $60 million a year and lasts until the end of the 2025 season.
Messi interacts with his son during the unveiling event
Fans braved the rain while waiting to enter the stadium
Fans welcomed Messi in a packed stadium.
Lionel Messi: Inter Miami unveil Argentina forward to sold-out crowd (BBC)
By Scoring A Lucrative Deal At Inter Miami, Lionel Messi Is Playing A New Financial Game (Forbes)