Lionel Messi’s unveiling is scheduled for July 16 as Inter Miami finally deliver an update by inviting the media to a “major event” and promising “exciting entertainment”.
Inter Miami appear to confirm Lionel Messi’s arrival for July 16, with the club telling reporters a “big unveiling event” that evening.
The welcome for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is scheduled for 8pm ET and will include “exciting entertainment, on-pitch speeches and more,” according to the club.
Messi is likely to be pictured alongside former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who has also agreed to a move to Miami.
The club are also close to signing long-time Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba, with the 34-year-old’s takeover essentially a done deal, according to the Miami Herald.
And Miami may not be finished adding big names to their squad as the club are reportedly trying to convince Eden Hazard to join as well, according to Relevo.
Lionel Messi is scheduled to be unveiled in Miami on July 16, a week after this Sunday
And Sergio Busquets, who has agreed to join the club, could also be featured
Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport
Things have been pretty quiet at the club since Messi announced his intention to move to Miami last month.
Owner Jorge Mas confirmed the club are hoping for the playmaker’s debut against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the League Cup on July 21.
Miami also wished him a happy 36th birthday late last month.
However, there is still no official announcement regarding his upcoming arrival.
Even though Messi isn’t in the US yet, the hype surrounding his arrival is palpable.
In the 24 hours after its decision to join Major League Soccer, Inter Miami gained more than 5 million Instagram followers – from about 1 million to 6.1 million.
The windows of the adidas flagship store in New York are covered in replicas of Lionel Messi
Her number of followers is now 9 million.
And in New York, more than 1,000 miles from Messi’s new home in Florida, the windows of Adidas’ flagship store in SoHo are filled with replicas of the Argentine star.
In images from , the sportswear giant’s Broadway venue is covered with images of Messi in his new Inter Miami jersey.
While Miami will be thrilled to welcome Messi and Busquets, it will still be a mighty battle for them to even get into the postseason.
In 20 games, the club has just 17 points – their worst record in the Eastern Conference, currently nine points off the last playoff spot.
Assuming he makes his debut as expected, Messi will only have 12 MLS games to turn the season in Miami.
With the help of Busquets, newly appointed head coach Tata Martino and probably Alba too, he certainly wouldn’t be given a postseason spot.
Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport
