2023-07-12 03:42:00
World footballer Lionel Messi has started his US adventure. The 36-year-old Argentinian world champion has landed in Florida, where he is due to be unveiled as a new signing at Inter Miami on Sunday.
TV footage showed Messi arriving in a private jet at an airport near his future employer’s stadium in Fort Lauderdale. A few fans had gathered at the arena to receive the world star.
“We are happy with the decision we made,” Messi said in an interview with Argentine TV show Llave a la eternidad. He was “ready” for the new challenge, he added, “my mentality will not change: I will try to do my best and continue to play at the highest level.”
Messi is expected to sign his two-and-a-half-year contract later this week, which is said to guarantee him $60 million per season. His public presentation is scheduled at the stadium.
The director and goalscorer is the best-known name in the North American professional league MLS and the greatest soccer player in North America since Pele and Franz Beckenbauer. Both had moved to Cosmos New York in the 1970s.
Miami are also planning to sign veteran Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, who Messi once played with at FC Barcelona. Former Barca player Jordi Alba has also been linked to co-owner David Beckham’s team.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who has coached Messi at Barcelona and for the national team, has been hired as the new coach. Messi is set to make his Leagues Cup debut against Mexico’s Cruz Azul on July 21.
1689139938
#International #Messi #starts #adventure