Marco Bello/Reuters
Lionel Messi waves to fans during his unveiling ceremony at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida.
CNN
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It didn’t even rain in South Florida Lionel Messi’s The parade could stop the Argentine superstar’s debut Inter Miami Fans were excited to welcome one of the greatest footballers ever to their home at the DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday.
“I want to thank the people of Miami for this welcome since I arrived in this city,” Messi told fans at the stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
“Honestly, I’m very excited, I’m very happy to be here in Miami and I’ll be with you … I’m excited to start training and compete. I’m coming here with a desire to compete, a desire to win and a desire to help the club continue to grow.
“I hope you will continue to support us since the start of the season,” continued Messi. “I’m very happy to have chosen this city with my family, for choosing this project … I have no doubt that we’re going to have a great time. Thank you all so much for this day.”
The event’s festivities were originally scheduled to begin at 6:30 ET, but heavy rain and thunderstorms delayed the event by two hours.
Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Fans wait in line during a downpour at Inter Miami Stadium.
Inter Miami owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas addressed the crowd before introducing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Ten years ago, I began my journey to build a new MLS team,” Beckham told the crowd. “I said at the time, I dreamed of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and to the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country.
“We are so delighted that you are all here to celebrate this wonderful moment that will be seen around the world, as a truly great player and wonderful person joins our family,” Beckham continued.
“So forgive me for getting a little emotional tonight because it really is a dream come true. So welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
Meanwhile, Moss continued with an inspiring speech to fans.
“This is a city built on dreams, hard work, sacrifice and a saying that says ‘freedom to dream’ emblazoned on our jersey – that will always be the mantra of this team,” he said. “Today, a new journey and a new chapter begins. Lionel Messi will always be there before and after.
“Tonight, we’re doing it in the rain, Miami-style. This is holy water! ”
Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Messi was presented with an Inter Miami jersey alongside, from left to right, owners Jorge Mas, Jose Mas and David Beckham.
Messi, 36, made his Inter Miami debut on July 21 in the League Cup opener against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul.
On Sunday, Inter Miami announced the signing of Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. The midfielder, who won nine La Liga and three Champions League titles with the Spanish side, was unveiled alongside Messi in a rain-soaked ceremony.
