Imagine boating with friends or shopping at your local Publix and seeing – Messi! Lionel Messi is an Argentinian professional football player and is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. After leaving the 2022 World Cup on a high, Messi announced plans to retire, but that did not last long. He officially signed with Inter Miami in July and was introduced to the fans during a sold-out event at the Fort Lauderdale stadium. His addition to the team has already made waves throughout Miami, skyrocketing ticket prices. Before Messi’s arrival, the minimum price for tickets was $25. Currently, the lowest price is $280 but his legendary career justifies these prices, which Miami fans are willing to pay.
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, known as Inter Miami CF or Inter Miami was founded by David Beckham in 2018 to bring world-class football to Miami. Messi’s contract commits him to the club until the 2025 Major League Soccer season, where he will reportedly make between 50-60 million dollars per year which includes his signing bonus. His contract is worth about $150 million for a two-year period. Fans are thrilled to see Messi embark on his new journey in America, and so is he. During Messi’s signing event he stated, “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States”. Messi finished off his speech by expressing his gratitude to the Inter Miami team and fellow players. He wanted his words to come from the heart so he spoke in Spanish. Translation of Messi’s speech: “I want to thank all the people in Miami for this welcome, this affection since I arrived here. I am very excited to be here with you. Thank José, Jorge, and David for this recognition, for making everything easier, to feel at home”.
Throughout his career, Messi has won a record-breaking seven Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s top male player. He has also received the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year, become a two-time Best Men’s FIFA Player, held the record for most goals in La Liga and most recorded assists in football history, and is the only player in history to win five European Golden Shoes. Even if you were not a fan before, this is enough to appreciate Messi’s arrival in South Florida.
In July, Messi was spotted at a local Publix stocking up on essentials like Lucky Charms and milk in socks and sandals, embracing the true Floridian spirit. Link to Messi at Publix Similarly, a group of teenage boys on TikTok went viral after taking selfies with Messi as they were boating past his house.
So if you think you see Messi around town, you are not dreaming, it may actually be him.
