Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets unveiled as Inter Miami players - ESPN

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi has arrived.

After a month of anxious anticipation, Inter Miami CF introduced new signing Messi to a sold-out crowd Sunday at DRV PNK Stadium. The Argentina soccer star signed a multiyear contract with the club Saturday, becoming the highest-profile signing to hit MLS since David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007.

Beckham was the first star to join MLS in the prime of his career after spending most of it playing top-tier soccer in Europe. Now a co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham couldn't help but address the gravity of this moment that was a decade in the making.

«Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team,» Beckham said. «I said then, I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and to the great city to Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country… We are so happy that you are all here to celebrate this incredible moment.

»So please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It truly is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami… Bienvenido a La Familia."

A two-hour weather delay stalled the event, with heavy rain pelting the stadium grounds and lightning illuminating the sky.

Nobody cared; no one was going to miss this. And the fans were treated to a double feature as Messi's former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets was also introduced as an Inter Miami player after signing his deal to join the club Sunday.

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Beckham was thrilled to bring the midfielder to South Florida.

«One of the most complete midfield players of his generation,» he said. «I am so proud for Sergio and his family to represent our club and our colors and reunite his partnership