By Gura Garcia
21 Jul 2024, 08:42 AM EDT
Lionel Messi received the recognition that Inter Miami had prepared for him, who waited for Messi in the centre of the field with 45 boys and girls lined up on the line around the field, each one with a white card representing all the championships that the Argentine striker has won so far.
He left Dani Alves’ record behind
Also in the center of the field was the team’s main shareholder, Jorge Mas. The circle was decorated with a black cloth with the words “Lionel Messi 45 titles” written on it, a figure that the idol from Rosario increased by winning the most recent Copa América 2024, allowing him to surpass the historic record achieved by his former teammate at Fútbol Club Barcelona, the Brazilian Dani Alves, who has 43.
Before the start of the match between Inter Miami and the Chicago Fire in a new Major League Soccer matchday, Jorge Mas gave him a painting with the numbers 4 and 5 intertwined, inside which you can see different images of the former Paris Saint Germain player’s career so far, especially during his time at Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
On the giant screen at Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami, were seen Images of the most successful moments of Rosario’s career, who was seen in very good spirits, enjoying the moment and thanking the ovation received by the football fans, especially from the Las Garzas team, who also enjoyed and celebrated the victory of the Miami team with a score of 2 goals to 1, scored by Matías Rojas and Jordi Alba.
Will he make it to the 2026 World Cup?
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs until December from 2025, and it is not known exactly if he will be renewed, especially when there is still speculation as to whether he could arrive in good health and playing level for the 2024 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, together with Canada and Mexico.
It should be remembered that Messi is currently injured in his right ankle, so he will be out of action for around 40 days. The last time he saw action defending the colors of Inter Miami was on February 2, June, in the 3-3 draw against St. Louis. In the current MLS season, he has managed to score a total of 12 goals and has provided 9 assists in 12 games played. He still has weeks to go before returning to the field, after having left the Copa America final in tears and with his right ankle in a mess.
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