Lionel Messi recently announced himself on the stage for MLS side Inter Miami in an exciting 2-1 win over Cruz Azul. The Argentine received a perfect debut as he was applauded by fans and celebrities alike.
The seven times Ballon d’Or winner has been joined at his new club by former teammates such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Moreover, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez are also in talks to join, with Inter Miami sure to build a superstar team.
Whoever is the next to join will find a new leader at the Herons, as Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning captain is going to be handed the captain’s armband.
Messi set to start as captain for Inter Miami
Manager Tata Martino was recently asked in a pre-match interview whether Messi will be the new captain of the club. According to ESPN, he confirmed, saying, “Yes, he was our captain last game as well.”
The Argentine was previously the coach of La Liga club Barcelona from 2018-21. He also led Argentina to both the Copa America triumph in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.
The previous captain of the club was DeAndre Yedlin, but it looks like Messi will now inherit the captain’s armband. Messi was also captain last game, though Yedlin only handed it over when the Argentine entered the pitch.
Lionel Messi is officially Inter Miami's new captain 🐐 pic.twitter.com/OhqqthhKos
— GOAL (@goal) July 25, 2023
Martino also confirmed that Lionel Messi and even Sergio Busquets could both make their starts in the next Leagues Cup game against Atlanta.
“It is very likely that both Messi and Busi [Sergio Busquets] will play longer, even from the beginning. Everything will depend on how they feel. It’s just their second game.”
Previously, the two former Barcelona captains made their debut on Friday, but both were substituted in the 54th minute. Tonight’s game could also see the potential debut of Jordi Alba after his signing was also confirmed by the David Beckham co-owned club.
Lionel Messi shines in Inter Miami debut with last-minute winner
Lionel Messi made his debut for new club Inter Miami on Friday in a Leagues Cup victory against Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The Argentine started on the bench but was substituted in the 54th minute after much applause from the fans.
The game was trailing 1-1 until the 94th minute when a free kick was given to Inter Miami near the goal. Messi calmly put the ball in the net grabbing a winning goal in his debut game. It was also the Major League Soccer club’s first win against a top-tier club since a May 7 victory against Atlanta United.
94TH-MINUTE WINNER.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 22, 2023
OFF A FREE KICK.
ON HIS DEBUT.
LEO MESSI 👑
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/zwp6gcevZI
Messi’s debut game was highly anticipated from when he signed his contract at the club. Ticket prices were increased drastically and yet the 27,000 seater DRV PNK Stadium was fully packed. The fans started chanting Messi’s name right from the first minute, even though he was on the bench. Even stars like LeBron James and Serena Williams were there to witness the Argentine.
Messi and Inter Miami will next host Atlanta United tonight, and later against Charlotte, which will also be Messi’s MLS debut.
