11-year-old Kingston Peel and his 9-year-old brother, Wynn, were in for a surprise when their mother woke them up early on Friday at their home in the Bahamas. Within a few hours, they would be flying to South Florida to witness superstar Lionel Messi’s debut game with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Excitement filled the air as fans from all over, including Ecuador and Messi’s native Argentina, gathered at DRV PNK Stadium to catch a glimpse of the football legend in action. Some wore black-and-pink Inter Miami jerseys with Messi’s iconic No. 10 on the back, while others sported his Argentina jersey. The anticipation was palpable, and even celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams, and LeBron James were present to witness the historic moment.
PHOTOS: Celebrities and fans travel from all over to watch Lionel Messi’s MLS debut with Inter Miami
Messi’s arrival brought an incredible thrill to both young and old fans. In the 94th minute of the game, he scored a free kick from 25 yards, securing a 2-1 victory for his new team. The stadium erupted with joy and captured the remarkable moment on their phones.
This highly anticipated move has not only delighted fans but has also raised the bar for soccer in the United States. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who himself made a significant impact when he joined MLS in 2007, believes that Messi’s addition to the league will further elevate the sport’s popularity.
Miami native Carlos Fierro compared Messi’s arrival to LeBron James signing with the Miami Heat in 2010, expecting the atmosphere to be loud and festive, reflecting the vibrant Miami style.
Lionel Messi’s MLS debut with Inter Miami is a milestone in the soccer world, drawing in celebrities and fans from all corners of the globe. It marks a new chapter for the sport in the United States, solidifying its growing popularity.
