Heading: Lionel Messi’s Debut for Inter Miami CF: When Will It Happen?
The Lionel Messi effect is in full swing in Florida as the Argentine superstar prepares for his first game with Inter Miami CF. Messi announced his commitment to Miami in June 2023, after turning down deals from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia. Fans are eagerly awaiting his debut, but when will Lionel Messi play his first game for Inter Miami?
Heading: Messi’s First Game Delayed Until July 2023
Inter Miami has struggled in MLS this season, with defeats to fellow Floridian side Orlando City, as well as both New York City and New York Red Bulls. Despite the team continuing to play in games, Messi will not be able to take to the field until July 2023. This is because his contract with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain ran until June 30. However, even then, Messi will have to wait to make his MLS debut.
Heading: Messi’s MLS Debut Expected on July 21
Messi’s first game for Inter Miami is expected to be against Cruz Azul on July 21 in the Leagues Cup. The Leagues Cup is an international tournament that pits teams from the MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX against each other in a mini-competition in North America. Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, expressed his excitement about Messi’s arrival, stating that having the world’s greatest player in the league is significant for both MLS and the football ecosystem in the United States.
Heading: Messi’s Major League Soccer Debut Delayed Until August 20
After his Leagues Cup debut, Messi will likely have to wait until August 20 before he makes his Major League Soccer debut. This is because the MLS takes a break for the Leagues Cup. If Messi comes through the tournament unscathed, he will play his first game in the league against Charlotte FC. It is expected that Messi will play with the team for the remainder of the season after making his July 21 debut.
Heading: Remaining MLS Games for Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s remaining MLS games include matches against various teams:
– August 26: New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami at Red Bull Arena (Harrison, New Jersey)
– August 30: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
– September 3: Los Angeles FC vs. Inter Miami at BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
– September 9: Inter Miami vs. Sporting Kansas City at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
– September 16: Atlanta United FC vs. Inter Miami at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
– September 20: Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
– September 24: Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami at Exploria Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
– September 30: Inter Miami vs. New York City FC at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
– October 4: Chicago Fire FC vs. Inter Miami at Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)
– October 7: Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
– October 21: Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami at Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Heading: Messi’s Absence from MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal
Before Messi has the opportunity to play for his new club Inter Miami, the MLS All-Stars will face Premier League side Arsenal on July 19. Some had expected Messi to be called up to feature in the team made up of the best the league has to offer. However, the league’s commissioner, Don Garber, chose Kei Kamara and Mathieu Choiniere as his picks, meaning that Messi’s debut in the US will have to wait a little longer.
Heading: The Details of Messi’s Contract
Details on Messi’s contract with Inter Miami have been released sporadically since he made the announcement. At this time, the exact numbers have not been revealed, but it is reported that the contract will include profit sharing with Apple and Adidas, two of MLS’s biggest commercial partners. Additionally, Messi will reportedly have the option to purchase a minority stake in Inter Miami. According to NBC Sports, Messi could earn close to $60 million per year with this new deal. Prior to signing with Miami, Messi turned down a three-year, $1.6 billion offer from Saudi Arabia.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s debut for Inter Miami CF is highly anticipated by fans. While he will not be able to play until July 2023 due to his previous contract with Paris Saint-Germain, his first game for Inter Miami is expected to be on July 21 against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. After the tournament, Messi will likely make his Major League Soccer debut on August 20 against Charlotte FC. Fans can look forward to seeing Messi play for Inter Miami in various MLS games throughout the season.