Lionel Messi lands in the United States, eager to face new challenge at Inter Miami
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Fans of Argentina's Lionel Messi wait for his arrival at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
PHOTO: AFP
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MIAMI – Lionel Messi has no regrets about his decision to join Inter Miami and said he is eager to face a new challenge.
The 36-year-old arrived in the United States on Tuesday ahead of his presentation as an Inter Miami player
“My mentality and my head are not going to change and I will try, wherever I am, to give the maximum for myself and for the club, to continue to perform at the highest level.”
His new team are preparing to hold a special event for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s presentation at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
“Fans will be able to enjoy an exciting night of entertainment, on-the-pitch speeches and more,” the club said in a statement, adding tickets would be free for season-ticket holders.
The World Cup winner will be reunited with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets at Miami as well as former Argentina coach Gerardo Martino.
Miami owner Jorge Mas has suggested Messi and Busquets could be part of “three to five” new signings for the South Florida club in the current transfer window. The club continue to be linked with former Barca fullback Jordi Alba.
Messi is expected to make his debut on July 21 in a Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
He is the biggest name to move to Major League Soccer and the greatest player to head to the US since Brazilian star Pele signed for the New York Cosmos in 1975.
The 36-year-old, who won the World Cup in December in Qatar, where the South Americans beat France on penalties, also suggested his exit from the international scene is on the horizon, saying: “Logically, because of my age, it (retirement) won’t be far away.
“I don’t know exactly when that moment will be. I’m just taking things day by day and enjoying all of this that we are experiencing. After having achieved everything in recent times, the only thing left is to enjoy it.” REUTERS, AFP, XINHUA
