On the day Messi made his Inter Miami debut, approximately 20,000 fans packed the stadium.
The most electrifying occasion in the history of Inter Miami Club’s DRV PNK Stadium.The team confirmed the historic signing with Lionel Messi on Sunday (local time).
A few hours before the ceremony, the sound of trumpets and drums echoed through the streets, accompanied by Argentina and Inter Miami banners.But then there was a sudden downpour, which is common in Florida during the summer.The rain was accompanied by thunder and lightning.As a result, the organizers opted to push back the schedule by 90 minutes from the planned time.
However, approximately 20,000 supporters were on the pitch, filling every empty space in the stadium.
“I don’t mean to underestimate LeBron James’ debut but things were on a different scale today,” said Inter Miami’s all-season ticket holder Carlos Sanchez, comparing the pitch from Messi and basketball star LeBron James, who arrived at the 2010 Miami Heat.
Messi was given the number 10 shirt by three Inter Miami owners.
Sanchez’s remarks are not without merit.In terms of attractiveness, no sports figure can compete with Argentina’s superstar.Messi has three times the number of Instagram followers than LeBron James does.
Messi’s successful signing also helps the squad become the most followed football club in the United States.”LeBron is a big star, but Messi is a global star,” according to ESPN.
Messi may not play when Inter Miami hosts rival Cruz Azul on July 21.However, this competition’s tickets are still sold out.Some even agree to buy back at a price hundreds of times higher.
“Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a team,” David Beckham – co-owner of Inter Miami club – shared at Messi’s debut. “Back then, I dreamed of bringing the best player in the world back to Florida, back to Miami. We’re so happy that you’re here to share that moment.”
“Wherever Messi goes, that place becomes explosive”
Wynwood is a district located in Miami, famous for its graffiti everywhere. According to ESPN, the walls here are almost covered with drawings. “It’s easier to find a snowflake than a hole in the wall in Wynwood,” ESPN describes.
However, Maxi Bagnasco found what seemed extremely difficult. Then the artist from Argentina painted a huge painting of Messi on it.
The hot weather these days in Miami doesn’t faze Bagnasco. Occasionally, he stops to wipe his sweat, chat with locals admiring the work painted on the 5-storey apartment.
The drawing of Messi is being painted by Bagnasco in Miami
As a devoted fan of Messi, Bagnasco was not surprised to see the influx of people into Miami on the day Messi made his debut.
“No matter where Messi goes, that place becomes explosive. Fans from many countries have been here. It’s all because of Messi.”
Bagnasco’s painting began on July 1 and took about three weeks to complete. One morning, Bagnasco started work as usual. But when he looked down, he suddenly spotted David Beckham. “Unbelievable. It’s David Beckham,” Bagnasco was surprised.
The two started talking. Becks then helps Bagnasco paint. This picture was taken by many people and posted on social networks.
“Watching Messi is a dream come true”
There are about 150,000 Argentinians living in Miami. And all could not hide their joy when Messi arrived at Inter Miami. Arballo is a restaurant manager in north Miami. He said he just created a burger named after his idol.
“I think Maradona and Messi are the two best players in history. To us, Messi is a saint. We are passionate about football and Messi is the best on the pitch. We are both happy when Messi comes here to play,” Arballo said.
Inter Miami is a new team that debuted in 2018. When each match draws between 12 and 15 thousand fans to the field, the team nevertheless has a sizable loyal fan base.They will congregate, cheer, and stand for over 90 minutes every day the competition is held.
These fan bases are expected to grow dramatically after the team has successfully recruited Messi.Carlos Sanchez, the male admirer described at the start of the essay, saw the appearance of several new faces as well.That made him pleased.
“Watching Messi play is a dream come true. The day he won the World Cup in 2022, very few of us thought that Messi would come here. Watching him debut for the club, we almost cried.
Surely many people will become fans of Miami. I have been with the club since day one and am ready to welcome them. It’s great that football gets more attention.”
Everything is set up and ready for Messi’s celebration.