By Arnaldo Fernandez
Inter Miami honored Lionel Messi this Friday in Fort Lauderdale with a recognition ceremony for his eighth Ballon d’Or just before a friendly against New York City, and The Argentine promised more joy next season for the team led by Gerardo Martino.
“I have no doubt that next year will be much better. We need your support, to have you close, we have to do it together“commented the captain.
Minutes before kick-off, the lights at the DRV PNK Stadium went out and illuminated a golden walkway that led to the center of the field. From there, Messi was very close to the team’s fans and the city that has welcomed him in recent months, he noted EFE.
“For me it is very beautiful to share this Ballon d’Or with you, I have been here for a short time but it seems like a long time since I arrived. I want to thank all the people of Miami for the treatment, both me and my family. We have received a lot of love, they made us feel at home. It is a city with many Latinos,” Messi added in an emotional speech.
Considered by many to be the best in history, he valued the achievements achieved by Miami last season. “We have been together for a short time but we have already achieved something important, such as the first title for this club (the Leagues Cup). It is something very important for what is coming next year, to play an important tournament (the Concacaf Champions Cup). I had no doubts about how I was going to find myself here,” he noted.
Jorge Mas and the happiness of having Messi in Miami
Shortly before Messi grabbed the microphone, it was the turn of the owners of the team with Jorge Mas at the helm, one of the great people responsible for the arrival of the 10 to South Florida.
“To my people, to my city. Tonight is a night of celebration. 122 days ago the Messi family landed in this city, a few meters from here, and began a chapter of their new life. This football club was created with a dream, that of bringing the best players. Here you have the greatest footballer of all time. Our captain, our number 10, Lionel Andrés Messi,” said Mas before introducing Messi who was waiting his turn in the locker room tunnel.
At the end of all the speeches, Messi raised the trophy to the sky of Fort Lauderdale amid fireworks while the song “Vivir mi vida” by Marc Anthony played on the public address system. The friendly match ended in defeat for Inter Miami against New York Citywith goals from Talles Magno and Julián Fernández, while Robbie Robinson scored a goal for the local team.
With information from EFE
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