Just days after landing in Ft. Lauderdale with his wife and children, Leo Messi is already getting to work. The most recent and most expensive arrival to MLS is putting on his practice uniform and taking the field with his new team, Inter Miami.
Messi starts training
Messi made an appearance at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to join his Inter Miami teammates for a training session. Engaging in both conversation and physical exercises, he actively participated in the team's practice, demonstrating his soccer skills alongside his teammates. Telemundo 51 footage captured moments of the Argentine superstar conversing with Josef Martinez, a Venezuelan striker, while also showing off his ball control skills alongside other Inter players.
Spain's Sergio Busquets also took part in a training session, receiving a warm reception from his teammates as he entered the conventional tunnel. In a show of camaraderie, his new colleagues showered him with praise and warm hugs.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, expressed his determination to contribute to the club's continued development as he embarks on this new chapter of his professional career. At a price of $54 million, Inter Miami is counting on that determination.
On Friday, Messi will be gracing the field for the first time, in a highly anticipated Liga match against Cruz Azul. This crucial encounter not only has the potential to shape the team's destiny, but also comes hand-in-hand with his lucrative endeavors.
Inter Miami's MLS winning drought stretches beyond eight weeks, with a discouraging 0-8-3 record since their win against New England on May 13. Securing a spot in the MLS playoffs seems highly unlikely for the Miami team.
However, there are still prospects for alternative tournaments such as the Copa de la Liga, which pits MLS and Mexico's Liga MX clubs against each other. These leagues often suspend their regular games to participate in this captivating competition, along with the US Open Cup.
Interestingly, Inter Miami has successfully advanced to the semifinals of the US Open Cup and is scheduled to face Cincinnati in late August.
David Beckham checking out his new duo 👀
Leo Messi - Josef Martinez pic.twitter.com/yPxczt5NDS
- Analysts (@SomosAnalistas_) July 18, 2023
Suarez could be next
Inter Miami is currently involved in high-level negotiations to secure the services of Luis Suarez, a potential addition that would undoubtedly bolster the team's already impressive roster within MLS.
Suarez and Messi, both of whom thrived with Barcelona, maintain an intimate bond with their respective families. Together, they achieved the remarkable triumph of capturing the Champions League title, united not only by their indomitable will but also by the presence of talented Brazilian striker Neymar.
According to Gaston Edul, a journalist for TyC Sports in Argentina, Suarez has been involved in talks with Miami for many months, and remarkable progress has been made. Promisingly, Miami owner Jorge Mas has committed to acquiring the services of three or four additional players, including Messi, for Inter Miami.
At the age of 36, Suarez has recently concluded his stint with Brazilian club Gremio. With a flourishing career in Europe, he had the pleasure of gracing the fields of Liverpool for three exciting seasons, as well as showcasing his skills at Ajax and Atletico Madrid before his days at Barcelona.
