Messi debuts in Miami
Despite heavy rain causing the launch ceremony to be delayed, the fans filled the field to witness the moment Lionel Messi made his Inter Miami debut.
Inter Miami held Messi's debut ceremony at 6 pm on July 16 (US Eastern time) at DRV PNK's home ground.
Before the event took place, heavy rain poured down, causing traffic jams.
The fans sought shelter from the rain, while the organizers announced that the launch ceremony was postponed for an hour for safety reasons.
The ticket gate is also closed to avoid breaking the match. Therefore, apart from a few fans who arrived early and got in first, most of the spectators were stuck outside.
The sky was gray on the DRV PNK field as the organizers ran the announcement to postpone the event on the big screen. Fans are advised not to sit in the stands and seek shelter, in the face of the risk of being struck by lightning.
Cristian Rocha fan, 47, wears a raincoat while waiting for the announcement of the organizers. After an hour, the weather started to improve and the fans were allowed to enter the field to prepare for the ceremony.
Rain team fans sing Messi's name
A group of fans rushed into the field. The heavy rain did not dampen their excitement. The fans gathered and sang Messi's name together. According to the Daily Mail, there are about 100,000 Argentinians living in Miami.
Around 19:00, Messi brought his wife Antonella and children to the yard. He holds the hand of his eldest son Thiago (10 years old) under the supervision of security staff. Mateo (7 years old) and Ciro (5 years old) walked behind with their mother.
The fans soon settled into their seats, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Messi. The 18,000 seats of the DRV PNK stadium are no longer available. The organizers have to install more stands to meet the needs of fans.
One fan wore a Messi shirt while others, including many children, waited for Messi to appear.
Messi appeared in the cheers of the fans. He waved to the fans and then walked over to where the club's owners were waiting. The Argentina captain constantly looked up at the stands and seemed to enjoy the enthusiasm of the fans.
Messi and three co-owners of Inter Miami, Jorde Mas, Jose Mas and David Beckham (from left to right, respectively). Messi's debut was also attended by some names in the US entertainment industry. His former teammate Sergio Aguero was also present.
Also in Messi's launch ceremony, Inter Miami introduced midfielder Sergio Busquets, Messi's former teammate at Barca.
Busquets brought his son to attend. He decided to reunite with Messi in Miami after his contract with Barca expired.
Messi ký hợp đồng hai năm rưỡi với Inter Miami. Anh có thể đá trận sân nhà đầu tiên sớm nhất vào ngày 21/7, gặp Cruz Azul trong khuôn khổ Leagues Cup. Ngày 17/7, Inter Miami dự kiến tổ chức một buổi họp báo cho tiền đạo 36 tuổi.
