By FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)
The much-awaited debut of Lionel Messi with Inter Miami is finally here. The Argentine star is set to take the field on Friday night as Inter Miami faces off against Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup match at their newly expanded stadium. Despite the stadium’s capacity of about 21,000 seats, all tickets have been sold out. However, a significant number of tickets are available for resale on secondary markets.
The Big Question: How Much Will Messi Play?
It remains uncertain how much playing time Messi will have in his debut match. As the best player in David Beckham’s eyes and a World Cup champion for Argentina, Messi’s presence on the field is highly anticipated. Having recently signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Inter Miami, Messi is set to earn an annual salary between $50 million and $60 million. With such a significant investment, spectators can expect an extraordinary performance from him, making his matches worth well over $1 million each.
A Warm Welcome and Intensive Training
On Sunday, the Inter Miami fans had the chance to greet and welcome their new star player. Messi officially trained with the club for the first time on Tuesday, preparing himself for the upcoming match.
The Unconventional Decision
In June, Messi made the unconventional decision to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer instead of returning to his longtime club, Barcelona. After spending the last two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s move to the United States marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. This decision has created a sense of excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for an unprecedented era for Inter Miami, which has faced significant challenges since its inception four seasons ago.
Leagues Cup: A Battle Between MLS and Liga MX Clubs
Leagues Cup is a prestigious tournament that showcases the talent of clubs from both Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, the top Mexican league. Cruz Azul emerged as the champions in the inaugural edition of this event in 2019. However, both Inter Miami and Cruz Azul have struggled to find success in their respective leagues this season. Inter Miami currently holds the fewest points in the MLS standings, while Cruz Azul has yet to secure any standings points in their first three matches of the season.
With Messi’s arrival, all eyes are on Inter Miami, eagerly anticipating their performance in this important Leagues Cup clash. Football enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating match as these two teams battle it out on the field.
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