Lionel Messi makes his Inter Miami debut, celebrities travel from all over U.S. to watch him; David Beckham says it took 4 years to get him to MLS

As the second half began, the crowd of approximately 21,000 spectators was on their feet, eager to capture the moment on their phones. Messi wasn’t part of the starting lineup, but the excitement in the stadium was palpable. During halftime, he warmed up with the other reserves before they retreated to the locker room.

Fans anxiously waited for Messi’s appearance, and when he finally emerged for the warm-up, the cheers from the stands were thunderous. Everyone was curious about when he would be brought into the game. The first goal of the match came from Inter Miami’s Robert Taylor, who put the ball into the back of the net to give the team a 1-0 lead.

Then, around eight minutes into the second half, the moment arrived – it was Messi time. The Argentine superstar stepped onto the field, replacing midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi. The fans erupted with joy as Messi took his position. His infectious smile and applause after the goal showed his excitement and enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career.

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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) warms up before the start of the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match against Cruz Azul, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The stadium was packed to capacity, with all tickets sold out to witness the Messi era at Inter Miami. The atmosphere was electric, with fans proudly wearing their newly acquired Miami jerseys with Messi’s name on the back. Chants of his name echoed throughout the stadium as supporters waved flags bearing his name and number.Messi’s arrival in Miami was met with great enthusiasm, and the anticipation surrounding his debut had been building up in the days leading to the match. His talent and accomplishments, including winning the World Cup for Argentina, have earned him praise from football legend David Beckham, who refers to him as the best player ever.Before the game, Messi was seen interacting with other sports stars, including LeBron James, who had also experienced a highly celebrated move to Miami. Now, as Messi begins his journey with Inter Miami, fans are eagerly awaiting more magic and unforgettable moments from the football maestro.

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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi smiles before a Leagues Cup soccer match against Cruz Azul, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

4 years to get Messi

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated arrival at Inter Miami became a reality as he signed a lucrative 2 1/2-year contract with the club. The deal is set to pay Messi an annual salary ranging between $50 million to $60 million, making him one of the highest-paid footballers globally and likely earning more than $1 million per match. This extraordinary signing drew immense attention, with some fans willing to pay over $1,000 for tickets to witness Messi’s debut, although the resale market saw a drop in prices as game time approached.

Securing Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami was no easy feat, as it required four years of meticulous planning and two years of active pursuit by the club’s management. David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed that the efforts were well worth it.

To introduce Messi to the enthusiastic home fans, a special event was held on Sunday, followed by his first training session with the club on Tuesday. However, in the Friday match against Cruz Azul, Messi was not included in the starting lineup. Another notable absence from the starting XI was newly acquired Sergio Busquets, a former teammate of Messi’s and a World Cup winner.

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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10), center stands with his teammates before a Leagues Cup soccer match against Cruz Azul, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Before the match, Beckham was spotted on the field, recording a video with his phone as he surveyed the empty seats, preparing for the influx of fans eager to witness history. The team store inside the stadium was well-prepared, fully stocked with Messi jerseys. Additionally, entrepreneurs capitalized on the moment, selling unofficial Messi jerseys along the road leading to the venue.

The anticipation and excitement surrounding Messi’s debut with Inter Miami were unparalleled, and it marked a new chapter in the club’s history as they now boast one of the greatest footballers of all time in their ranks.

Celebrities attend match

Lionel Messi’s debut match at Inter Miami brought together a star-studded gathering of GOATs (Greatest of All Time) and notable celebrities. Among the attendees were NBA legend LeBron James and tennis superstar Serena Williams, both of whom are widely regarded as some of the greatest in their respective sports. Music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan were also present, adding to the glamour of the occasion. Even reality TV star Kim Kardashian joined the event with her son, who was incredibly excited to witness Messi in action.

The night wasn’t just massive for Messi and Inter Miami, but it also marked a significant moment for soccer in the U.S. As Messi made his first appearance in Major League Soccer, the U.S. women’s soccer team began their World Cup title defense in New Zealand against Vietnam, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

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Lionel Messi, center left, jogs alongside forward Josef Martinez, center right, as the team warms up at the start of a training session for the Inter Miami MLS soccer team Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

After much speculation, Messi made the decision in June to join Inter Miami, turning down a potential return to Barcelona, the club where he spent the majority of his illustrious career, and opting out of Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons. His arrival at Inter Miami, a club that had faced challenges and struggles in its initial four seasons, paved the way for an unprecedented era.

The Leagues Cup, in which the match against Cruz Azul took place, is a prestigious tournament featuring clubs from both Major League Soccer and Liga MX, Mexico’s top football league. Cruz Azul had previously won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2019.

It’s worth noting that neither Inter Miami nor Cruz Azul had enjoyed much success in their respective leagues during the current season. Inter Miami was struggling with the fewest points in the MLS standings, while Cruz Azul had yet to secure a single point in their first three matches of the Mexican league season.

Overall, Messi’s debut match was a momentous occasion, uniting top athletes and celebrities and providing fans with a thrilling spectacle of football.