8 key things missed from Lionel Messi's Inter Miami unveiling after shaky stream
Lionel Messi was unveiled as an Inter Miami player in front of thousands of fans on Sunday night.
The World Cup winner and seven-time Ballon d'Or holder is at the forefront of a new and defining chapter for Major League Soccer, and it's David Beckham spearheading that movement once again. Despite a delayed start the event went ahead as planned with Beckham, managing owner Jorge Mas, and the rest of the Inter Miami squad welcoming both Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to the DRV PNK stadium.
While more players may yet come, namely in the form of Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta, this night was all about one man.
Here are eight key takeaways Mirror Sport noticed from the Messi celebration in Florida.
Weather
The weather threatened to ruin the entire evening at around an hour before the unveiling. Thunder, lightning, and torrential rain battered fans attending the DRV PNK stadium. In fact things got so bad that security staff abandoned their posts and the entire spectacle threatened to be called off altogether.
Apple TV release MLS Season Pass worldwide and announce free opening weekend
As it happens, a 40-minute delay sufficed and was enough to see the weather ease off. That said, it did continue to rain throughout the show, forcing poor Beckham to step gingerly up a slippery walkway.
And as for whether keepie-uppies were planned, as they usually are for such events - Martin Braithwaite's disastrous Barcelona highlight reel comes to mind - there was seemingly no chance of that happening with it chucking it down. As such, after Messi and his family said hello, they promptly left the pitch.
Fans seek shelter from a torrential downpour outside Inter Miami's stadium ahead of Messi's unveiling (AP)A real GOAT
For years the GOAT war has waged between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with many coming to the conclusion the former's World Cup win is enough evidence to suggest his is the winner.
And that was the view for one particular fan who decided to bring an actual goat to the stadium. We can't be sure if the animal made it into the arena, but it was certainly receiving plenty of attention outside of it.
The creature was being stroked, getting in on selfies and likely utterly perplexed by its sudden popularity. But as for the GOAT in human form, he had a real spectacle awaiting him.
When Goat meets GOAT in MiamiA real party and spectacle
If there is one thing the Americans do right it's put on a parade. The DRV PNK stadium was packed to the rafters, a huge walkway and platform was set up on the pitch, the lighting was dramatic and the music pumping.
By the time Messi walked out the rain didn't matter. At least not to the supporters creating one hell of an atmosphere.
Fireworks were let loose from the stands to celebrate Messi's arrival like the 4th of July. The only shame was how short it was.
Inter Miami's fans go wild at the ceremony (REX/Shutterstock)Apple TV's shaky stream
After MLS posted a picture of Alvaro Arbeloa instead of Sergio Busquets in a botched welcome post, they really could have done with streaming partners Apple TV being on point. An early advert break seemed to stay accidentally stuck on a wide angle of the pitch,. with the presenter heard asking questions to her producer over the top. Thankfully no embarrassing comments were made.
And sadly the sound for much of Beckham's speech was low and horribly echoed. When it was fixed, the Spanish to English translation for Messi was still too quiet.
Christine Lampard makes brutal 'football woes' dig after Frank's Everton firing
Partnered with how quick the event was it didn't seem particularly smooth coverage.
Beckham as popular as ever
The Manchester United and England legend has poured his heart and soul into Inter Miami and now he has the ultimate reward in Lionel Messi. Busquets is a fair prize too, we mustn't forget.
Looking as dapper as ever in his tailored Inter Miami suit, he received a huge cheer from the crowd when walking out onto the pitch. And when it came to his speech, the 48-year-old threw in some Spanish which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
He said: "Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team. It's always been a dream of mine to bring the best players in the world to the club and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next gen' and help build a legacy in this sport joins our family. Please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami."
It's quite possible Beckham has saved Major League Soccer twice. Once through his own arrival and now by overseeing another of gargantuan proportions.
David Beckham was emotional during his speech (AFP via Getty Images)Ft. Busquets
In all the Messi furore it's easy to forget about poor old Busquets. But the Spaniard is a terrific signing for Miami. And it was nice to see he got his own moment. The 35-year-old took to the stage before Messi and said a few words.
"Hello everyone, thank you for coming," he said. "I'm happy to be here in Miami. For me it’s a blessing to be part of Inter Miami and I want to thank owner Jorge [Mas], Jose [Mas], David [Beckham] for making it all possible.
"I’m so excited to start training and playing with my team-mates and see you soon."
Sergio Busquets got his moment (CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Messi's vow to Beckham and new teammates
DeAndre Yedlin excitedly announced pitch-side he couldn't wait for this moment and to have who he thinks is the world's best player on his team. The former Newcastle defender then added that entire squad was present at the unveiling. Now how often do that happen?
When it finally came to Messi's time to take to the stage he actually made a promise to Beckham and his teammates. This is no retirement fund, he's taking this very seriously.
"Thank you very much, good night. First of all I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome, this affection," Messi began. "I am very happy to be here, to be with you. I want to thank Jose [Mas], David [Beckham] for the welcome. They are making everything easy for us, everything has been spectacular since we arrived.
"I really want to start training and compete. I want to win, for the club to continue growing. I hope that you will join us as we have since the season began. I thank my new colleagues for the welcome. I am very happy to have chosen this city with my family, to have chosen this project. I have no doubt that we are going to have a good time.
"Thank you all very much for this day."
Lionel Messi finally speaks to the Inter Miami fans (Getty Images)
Inter Miami's new family (REX/Shutterstock)La Familia
David Beckham said in his speech "welcome to the family". It certainly looked that way. Not only were there hugs between Messi and Beckham but the World Cup winner's family were invited on stage too. Wife Antonella Roccuzzo was accompanied by son Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, as well as Sergio Busquets and his family.
To grow the family further, Victoria Beckham and daughter Harper were also on stage. Group pictures and jubilant scenes ensued as the start of a very unique chapter for Inter Miami begins.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
