Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets say they can't wait to get started at Inter Miami after being unveiled at a packed DRV PINK Stadium on Sunday night.
Once the rain had finally died down, Inter Miami co-owners David Beckham, Jorge and Jose Mas welcomed Messi to his new home in Miami, Florida for the very first time. The 36-year-old's contract runs through the 2025 Major League Soccer season.
"I’m very excited, very happy to be here in Miami with you," the legendary Argentine said. "I want to thank Jorge [Mas], Jose [Mas], David [Beckham], his family for their welcome, the kindness they’ve shown these days. They’ve made us feel at home so quickly, they made it so easy. It’s been spectacular for us since we got here."
Messi made it clear that like Beckham, he too joined Inter Miami to not only win but to help the club and football continue to grow in the United States.
"I’m arriving with the same desire I’ve always had: to compete, to want to win, to want to help the club keep growing. Personally, I have no doubts my teammates and I will always give our best to try to achieve all of our goals," Messi added. "I’ll take a moment to salute my teammates, who are here, for the welcome they gave me and the kindness they’ve shown since the first day as well.
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"I’m very happy to have chosen to come to this city with my family, to have chosen this project. And I have no doubts we’re going to enjoy this and we’re going to have a good time and, well, a lot of beautiful things are going to happen."
Busquets was also presented to Inter Miami's fans on Sunday night, with the defensive midfield icon telling fans: "I am very happy to be here in Miami. For me, it's a pleasure to be part of Inter Miami and I wanted to thank Jorge [Mas], Jose [Mas], David [Beckham], Chris [Henderson] and Xavi [Asensi] for making it possible.
"I'm so excited to start training and playing with my teammates. See you soon. Thank you so much."
The duo join the Herons as Designated Players after the club mutually agreed to part ways with Rodolfo Pizarro, their first ever DP signing. Miami is back in action on July 21 in the 2023 Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul, when Messi and Busquets are expected to make their club debut.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets excited for new chapter with Inter Miami.