Lionel Messi’s Move to Inter Miami: What Do the Locals Think?
Football fans around the world were left in shock when Lionel Messi announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after just two years. The Argentine superstar had hoped to negotiate a move back to Barcelona, but the club’s financial woes made it impossible. In the end, Messi decided to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami, a decision that has made waves in Europe and beyond. But what do the locals in Miami Beach think of the superstar signing?
Mixed Reactions
SunSport took a trip down to Miami Beach to speak to locals about Messi’s move to Inter Miami. The response was mixed, with some expressing excitement and others showing little interest. Strength and conditioning coach Joshua, 30, was ecstatic about the news. He said, “I think that he’s going to get the better opportunities here in Miami because we’re all about that Latin and mixed. And what do you call that? Condiments. So the sauce is coming to Miami.” On the other hand, 23-year-old Michael said, “I actually heard about it just 30 minutes ago, and I really don’t have any thoughts because I don’t watch sports.”
Mexican fans are particularly excited about Messi’s arrival, as they will get to see him play in the Concacaf Champions League. Mexican Emaliano, 27, said, “He’s a legend. He’s like Michael Jordan, like Tiger Woods, a person that only comes around 50 or 60 years. He’s a person that’s not normal, and many people want to see. I’m from Mexico, and he is going to play with Mexican teams in the same confederation. The people in Mexico are very happy because if Inter Miami qualifies into the Concacaf Champions League, the Mexicans can see. I think many people in many parts of the world can come to Miami and see Messi because it’s not easy to watch a football player like him.”
Impact on MLS
Messi’s move to Inter Miami is expected to have a significant impact on Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Emalio, 26, said, “I think it will make a difference in America. I think it will bring a bigger audience from outside of the country to watch the MLS.” Even those who are not die-hard football fans are curious about Messi’s arrival. Ice hockey fan Tyler, 30, said, “I’ll go to a game just to see what the hype’s about. I’ve been to a game before; they’re fun, but to be honest, I don’t really care much.”
However, there are concerns that Inter Miami may struggle to compete with other sports for attention in Miami. Robert said, “There are a lot of distractions out here. You see with the Heat, the Dolphins, the more they win, the more talent that comes into it. But there’s just so many other things to focus on so he would have to cause a stir.” The fact that none of the sports bars in Miami Beach were showing Inter Miami’s match against New England suggests that MLS still has some way to go before it can compete with other sports in terms of popularity.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has generated a lot of buzz in Europe and beyond. While some locals in Miami Beach are excited about the superstar signing, others are less interested. Mexican fans are particularly thrilled about the prospect of seeing Messi play in the Concacaf Champions League. However, there are concerns that Inter Miami may struggle to compete with other sports for attention in Miami. Only time will tell whether Messi’s arrival will help boost the popularity of MLS in the United States.