The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to take on the new challenge at the Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami saying that he has no regrets over his decision.
The 2022 World Cup winner stepped on the soil of the United States on Tuesday (July 11), in preparation for his official presentation as an Inter Miami player, which is scheduled to take place at a special event on Sunday (July 16).
"I'm happy with the decision we made. I'm ready and eager to face this new challenge,” Messi said in an interview with Argentinian TV.
The 36-year-old further stated that his desire to perform at the highest level has not changed a bit and he is going to give all for the American club.
Inter Miami is planning an elaborate presentation to commemorate the arrival of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. The club has organized a special event at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Fans can expect an evening of exciting entertainment, on-pitch speeches, and more. Season ticket holders will have the privilege of attending the event free of charge, as announced by the club.
Messi will also reunite with his former FC Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba — with whom he shared the pitch for over 10 years at the Blaugrana club.
The Argentine is also expected to make his debut for the MLS club on July 21 against the Mexican side Cruz Azul. With the debut, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will start his journey with Inter Miami where, without a shadow of a doubt, he will leave his name in the history books of the club.
Messi’s arrival in America has brought an entirely new and different dimension to the American football league, very similar to when Cristiano Ronaldo made his move to the Saudi side Al-Nassr in January 2023 — after which many top footballers like Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante and others followed his footsteps to the Middle East.