Messi unveiled to crowds as Inter Miami participant

New signing Lionel Messi has been formally offered to cheering crowds at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.

In a short handle in Spanish, Messi, 36, thanked supporters and stated he had the “similar need” he at all times has.

The World Cup-winning Argentina ahead joins the Main League Soccer (MLS) membership on a deal till the top of 2025.

He shall be reunited with defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets – with whom he performed at Barcelona – who has additionally signed for Miami till 2025.

Busquets, too, was formally unveiled throughout Sunday night time’s occasion.

Messi entered the pitch through an enormous catwalk and was launched as “America’s quantity 10, the world’s finest quantity 10”.

Seven-time Tremendous Bowl winner Tom Brady and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry additionally welcomed him to the USA in video messages.

“I actually wish to begin coaching, to compete,” Messi stated. “I’ve the identical need that I at all times needed to compete, to wish to win, to assist the membership proceed to develop.

“I’m very completely happy to have chosen to come back to play on this metropolis with my household, to decide on this mission and I’ve little doubt that we’re going to get pleasure from it rather a lot.

“We’re going to have an excellent time and superb issues are going to occur.”

Messi left French champions Paris St-Germain on the finish of the 2022-23 season after scoring 32 targets in 75 video games.

He turned down profitable provides from different international locations to play within the US – and that is the primary time he’ll play for a non-European membership.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham hailed Messi’s signing as a “dream come true”.

“Leo, we’re so proud that you’ve got chosen our membership for the following stage in your profession,” he stated.

Inter Miami’s major proprietor, American billionaire Jorge Mas, referred to as Messi “the very best participant ever to don boots,”

Messi is anticipated to be accessible to play for Miami in opposition to LIGA MX aspect Cruz Azul on 21 July of their opening match of Leagues Cup.

He reunites together with his former Barca and Argentina boss Gerardo Martino after the 60-year-old was appointed supervisor in June following the sacking of Phil Neville.