After years of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami speculation and intrigue, years of asking whether the world’s greatest soccer player might join MLS, it just felt surreal when it finally happened.
Even after the initial announcement, the photoshopped jersey photos, the extravagant introduction, the fans stopping him in the street leading to his new pitch, and a viral trip to a Publix grocery store, it still didn’t feel real.
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Messi made his Inter Miami and MLS debut Friday night, entering the game shortly after halftime with a 1-0 lead over LIGA MX team Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium.
It has finally become a reality. A reality Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, David Beckham and Jose Mas brought to fruition.
Messi warmed up on the left sidelines before entering the game, waving to Inter Miami’s fan section before jogging down the baseline so he could enter the game.
Messi entered with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets and Josef Martinez, and quickly got his first touch around midfield where his speed and burst met the excitement of the occasion.
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