MIAMI — Lionel Messi obtained the important thing to the town of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez on Wednesday night time after talking on the American Enterprise Discussion board at Kaseya Heart.
“I’ve had the want to give this [key] to you for all that you’ve got achieved for our grand metropolis [of Miami], our nation and the world of soccer, thanks,” mentioned Suarez.
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Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, instantly making historical past with the membership when lifting its first trophy with the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy days after his debut.
Since then, Messi has impressed Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Protect and set the file for many factors in a single MLS marketing campaign.
“I need to share and say one thing about our Inter Miami captain, our quantity 10. It is a small present from this metropolis, which has captured the hearts of all of us,” mentioned Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas.
“It is a welcome not just for you but in addition for spouse Antonella and your lovely household, as a way to all the time really feel at residence right here.”
Individually, Messi clinched the 2024 MLS MVP, the 2025 Golden Boot and stands as a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP.
Although Messi’s unique contract with the membership expires on the finish of the 2025 marketing campaign, the 38-year-old just lately signed a three-year deal to stay in South Florida via the 2028 MLS season.
“Thanks, I really feel very honored by this, it is true that as I simply mentioned we really feel very liked, very grateful, very blissful to be dwelling on this metropolis and to have the ability to have this distinction for me is a superb honor, so thanks,” mentioned Messi.
The Inter Miami captain beforehand spoke about his tough exit from Barcelona, explaining the problem in transitioning from life in Spain to France with Paris Saint-Germain earlier than making the transfer to Miami.
“Properly, the reality is that the primary time we moved to Paris was robust as a result of we might lived our complete lives in Barcelona,” he mentioned. “We had been very blissful there — household, the youngsters, we had every little thing. We grew up there.
“Think about, I left once I was 13; that is my complete life. My spouse arrived within the metropolis for the primary time when she was 20 or 21. And properly, it is by no means straightforward to regulate and adapt. However the fact is, we settled in properly, the youngsters too, of their every day lives, identical to my spouse.
“However, as I’ve mentioned a number of instances, I wasn’t having a great time when it comes to soccer and day-to-day life. I wasn’t having fun with myself for lots of causes, partly as a result of every little thing was new to me, very totally different from what I used to be used to.”
Following a two-year stint with PSG, Messi introduced his surprising transfer to Inter Miami.
“It was a household determination; we determined to pursue my skilled profession in Miami,” Messi added. “I feel which means loads — selecting the place you need to be and having the ability to do it makes issues a lot simpler.
“And after I arrived in Miami, it was spectacular. Residing on this metropolis for the primary time is unbelievable. After which there’s the best way everybody has been since day one. The primary day was wonderful, and right now is simply one other instance of the welcome I really feel.”
Messi spoke on the identical day that Inter Miami introduced that its new stadium close to Miami Worldwide Airport is reaching a serious building milestone — with the ultimate beams for the stadium cover being raised.
“I am blissful on this place, so I am very blissful to proceed,” he mentioned. “I am actually anxious, actually trying ahead to it being completed, to have the ability to play right here.”
Inter Miami is getting ready to play the ultimate sport of the best-of-three Spherical One playoff collection in opposition to Nashville SC on Saturday night time at its present Fort Lauderdale residence of Chase Stadium.
Info from The Related Press was used on this report.