Living the American dream

Fort Lauderdale, July 17

Lionel Messi walked out from behind a curtain, took a few steps along a rain-slicked runaway set up over the field at Inter Miami’s stadium and headed toward David Beckham for a big hug.

His journey was complete. Inter Miami’s wait was over. At long last, Messi has arrived.

Inter Miami — after years of plotting, pleading and hoping — introduced arguably the game’s biggest star on Sunday night, presenting their new franchise player with his pink No. 10 jersey that millions of people will be buying over the coming weeks and months.

“I’m sure we’re going to have many wonderful experiences,” Messi told the crowd.

Sunday was the first one. Almost every seat was filled despite horrible weather conditions that delayed the show, and nobody seemed to mind soaking rain

that pounded down throughout the evening.

“I’m very much moved to be here in Miami, to be with you,” Messi said. “I want to thank you, all of you, on behalf of my family, for the kindness that you have given me.”

Beckham, the team’s co-owner and president, had huge dark blotches on his blue blazer because of the rain. It was going to take more than a downpour

to ruin this party, one where fans roared and music boomed.

“Tonight is a typical Miami welcome for one of the greatest players to ever have played the game,” Beckham said. “The fact that we have our fans in here, celebrating this moment … this is what we have created and we’re very proud of that.”

Messi is now tasked to lift a team that currently has the fewest points in the MLS standings and is mired in an 11-game winless streak. Messi, MLS and Inter Miami have finalised his signing through the 2025 season.

It’s the start of a busy week of events for Messi with his new club. His first official training session that will be open to reporters is set for Tuesday. — AP