Inter Miami celebrates Lionel Messi's arrival; soccer great offers warning about MLS expectations

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Lionel Messi was officially introduced as a member of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami on Sunday night as he comes off a World Cup win and a season with Paris Saint-Germain in France.

The David Beckham-led franchise presented Messi with a pink No. 10 jersey at the Fort Lauderdale stadium. It appeared the Argentinian soccer superstar made it through the torrential rain well enough to address the crowd and hype them up.

"I'm sure we're going to have many wonderful experiences," Messi said.

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Lionel Messi waves after the celebration introducing him to Inter Miami fans, Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

"I'm very much moved to be here in Miami, to be with you. I want to thank you, all of you, on behalf of my family, for the kindness that you have given me," he added.

Beckham praised the fans for braving the bad weather to stick around for the unveiling. Majority owner Jorge Mas also addressed the crowd.

"When David and I first met and we dreamt of what Inter Miami represents, it started off with the freedom to dream," Mas said. "And we dreamed of not only bringing elite players and the best players but the best player to ever don boots – and his name is Lionel Andrés Messi."

Messi joins a club dead last in the Eastern Conference through 22 matches. The team only has 18 points on the season and are 22 points out of the final playoff spot, behind D.C. United.

Former United star Wayne Rooney warned Messi about expectations upon joining MLS. The British soccer great said Messi won’t have the easiest time here as he learned from his own