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Last Updated: February 07, 2024, 10:00 IST
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. (AFP Photo)
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last season and made his debut for the David Beckham co-owned club in the Leagues Cup in July 2023.
Inter Miami pulled off a sensational signing when they convinced Lionel Messi to make USA as his next destination of what has been a storied career that has seen the Argentina superstar collect truckload of trophies including the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and a record eight Ballon D’or awards among others.
Messi left French club Paris Saint-Germain last year and arrived in the USA amidst much fanfare and his debut for Inter Miami, a club co-owned by the legendary David Beckham, was watched by a bevy of superstars from different walks of life including basketball royalty LeBron James.
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The images of stars lining up to click Messi’s pictures as he geared up to enter the field for his debut for the club went viral on social media. The former Barcelona star did not disappoint, scoring a free-kick in the dying moments of injury time to seal a memorable win.
LeBron feels that Messi plying his trade in the USA has been a game-changer not only for Major League Soccer but for the country too.
“Seeing Messi, the GOAT of soccer, honour the MLS with his presence is a total game-changer for us,” LeBron told ESPN. “His arrival not only elevates the league but also inspires a new generation of football fans in our country.”
“It takes unparalleled dedication, work ethic and talent to achieve what Messi has, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. I wish him all the best,” he added.
Messi is currently on touring with Inter Miami but has been battling injury which has seen limited to no participation in the various pre-season football friendlies the club has been playing in Asia.
In Hong Kong, Messi and Beckham were booed with fans demanding refund after paying exorbitant amount for a friendly match hoping to see the Argentine in action.
However, Messi was benched for the game and didn’t play any role as Inter Miami beat Hong Kong XI 4-1.
“The truth is that it was bad luck that I couldn’t (play) on the day of the Hong Kong match,” Messi said of his absence. “Unfortunately, in football, things can happen in any game, that we may have an injury. It’s a shame because I always want to participate, I want to be there, and even more so when it comes to these games when we travel so far and people are so excited to see our matches. I hope we can return and we can play another game and I can be present. As I do whenever I can. But the truth is that it is a shame that I was not able to participate.”
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