The MLS will soon officially welcome footie icon Lionel Messi into the US elite soccer division as Inter Miami confirm unveiling date.
The Florida-based MLS franchise dropped a teaser of an anticipated ‘big unveiling event’ expected to come up on July 16 but still leaving fans to scratch their heads as they muted talks on the player’s identity for marketing purposes.
Further details of the said ‘big unveiling event’ revealed it will take place at exactly 8pm European Time with elaborate plans for entertainment and fan fare.
Despite muting the identity of the player, it is apparent the MLS side are making references to Barcelona legend and former PSG forward Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi switched to the Florida-based club in a shock and biggest transfer move this summer after his PSG contract expired last month.
The 2022 World Cup hero is now set for an exciting new challenge with the MLS side after a heroic 19-year-old career in Europe.
According to reports, Lionel Messi will likely be unveiled with his former teammate at Barcelona and Spain legendary midfielder, Sergio Busquets who have also sealed a move to the MLS club.
Lionel Messi’s MLS unveiling will be massive although the club have been fairly silent after Messi confirned his decision to join the club.
Inter Miami owner and Manchester United legend David Beckham said he learnt of Messi’s decision to join the club from fans who messaged him after the news broke.
After Messi’s interview confirming the move, Inter Miami have racked up over 8m new followers on Instagram with the figure expected to grow after the planned unveiling.
Messi will make his debut for Inter Miami on July 21 in Leagues Cup clash against Cruz Azul of Mexico and will have 12 MLS games to shake up the club’s misfortunes.
Inter Miami are rocked bottom of the Eastern Conference with 17 points from 20 games and are 9 points away from qualifying for the playoffs. Former manager and Manchester United legend Phil Neville was sacked as manager following the club’s abysmal campaign with Argentine and former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino appointed as new manager.
Hence, Lionel Messi will be set for a reunion with his countryman and former boss at Barcelona and Argentina national team.
Meanwhile, Adidas shop in New York have already evoke a festive atmosphere ahead of Messi’s arrival with mock-ups of the footie icon in Inter Miami’s shirt.
According to reports, Lionel Messi’s deal with Inter Miami includes a $1bn sponsorship deal with Adidas which will run through his lifetime.
As part of the deal, the renowned sports brand will have exclusive rights to use Lionel Messi’s images in their marketing and advertising campaigns.
Messi turned down a move to Al Hilal and a return to Barcelona to join the MLS, citing personal reasons for his decision. He is on a two-year contract worth between $50 to $60m every year.
The former PSG star will hope to return the club to winning ways as he takes up the new challenge in what could be the last lap of his heroic career.
