Lionel Messi plunges into American life when the $54m Inter Miami star is spotted shopping at Publix (…and even the world’s greatest soccer player can’t resist lucky charms and fruit loops!)
- Messi, 36, was spotted at an Italian restaurant on his first day in the US, on Wednesday
- The Argentine is expected to make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul on July 21
- ” offers the latest international sports news.”
Lionel Messi is fully immersed in American culture on his second day in South Florida and adjusting to life in Miami by grocery shopping at US supermarket chain Publix.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen pushing a shopping cart at the grocery store checkout on Thursday, stocked with a variety of cereals including Lucky Charms from General Mills and Fruit Loops from Kellogg’s, as fans wait for Inter Miami his commitment until then confirmed Next weekend at the earliest.
Messi, who is expected to earn $54 million a year, landed in Miami on Tuesday with his wife Antonela and their three sons Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5.
The diminutive Argentine, reportedly 1.70m tall, even had time to pose with some of his US fans in the Sunshine State as he headed for the grocery store exit.
Earlier this week, Messi was spotted at a family dinner in Miami Beach on his first day in the US on Wednesday and was even kissed by a fan on the way out!
Lionel Messi, 36, was spotted Thursday at the checkout of US supermarket chain Publix in Miami
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner even had time to pose for snaps with several admirers
Messi and a fan pose for a selfie in front of packs of US hard seltzer brand High Noon
Inter Miami fans are eagerly awaiting Messi’s announcement. A Messi mural in Miami
The 2022 world champion was expected to sign his contract and be officially announced as a Miami player on Thursday – but the announcement could now come on Friday. Everything is going according to plan, although confirmation may be later than expected.
Beckham, who earlier this week said he hadn’t received any free transfer news, was spotted at Inter Miami’s training ground on Wednesday as he hopes to complete Messi’s move as soon as possible in hopes of changing the fortunes of his club .
Inter Miami are currently in last place (15th) in the MLS Eastern Conference. The Herons trail the Chicago Fire by 11 points and are in ninth place — their last spot in the Finals series playoffs.
Messi announced his intention to join the United States last month after rejecting lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and a return to Barcelona became unattainable.
He’s played for PSG for the last two seasons but never felt completely comfortable in the French capital, where ultras accused him of not living up to his usual standards after the team’s elimination against Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 – a trophy that remains elusive from the Ligue 1 champions and is backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
Messi has opted for Miami instead of a return to Barcelona, an extension at PSG and a move to Saudi Arabia
Inter Miami team co-owner David Beckham is expected to announce Messi’s arrival at the weekend
Messi signs with Miami seven months after winning the World Cup with Argentina
All of that will no longer matter to Messi, who told Inter Miami officials that they get him in top form and that his family is “happy” with the decision to move to America.
Messi’s near-complete move is expected to bring new impetus to football in the US and Florida with one of the most iconic figures in the sporting world. More than 100,000 Argentines live in Miami, which will host 2026 World Cup games.
Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21.
The player, who has over 800 career goals, was spotted on vacation in the Caribbean with his family before heading to Miami this week.
Inter Miami have scheduled an unveiling with Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets at the team’s DRV PNK Stadium (pronounced “Drive Pink”) on Sunday night during halftime of the Gold Cup final between Mexico and Panama.
Jordi Alba, another of Messi’s former Barca teammates, is also expected to join Miami.