FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on before the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on September 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi, the global football sensation, captivated the DRV PNK Stadium crowd on Friday night, not with his football skills, but by presenting his latest Ballon d’Or award to Inter Miami CF fans.
In a rousing speech delivered before the club’s exhibition match against New York City FC, Messi pledged that “next year will be much better” and assured supporters that Inter Miami would continue to collect titles.
The occasion was named “Noche d’Or,” a special tribute by Miami to celebrate their iconic No. 10, who secured a record eighth Ballon d’Or award last month.
Expresses his gratitude
Messi began his speech by expressing his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for being here, for this lovely honor.” He reflected on his relatively short time in South Florida, remarking, “For me, it’s really beautiful to be able to share it with you. I’ve only been here a short time, but it feels like I’ve been here forever.”
The 2022 FIFA World Cup champion with Argentina went on to thank the people of Miami, both those present at the stadium and the city as a whole, for their warm reception of him and his family. He acknowledged the kindness and the sense of being at home in a city with a vibrant Latino community, making him feel comfortable.
Messi’s arrival in Miami in July marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter. Under his leadership, Inter Miami clinched the Leagues Cup 2023 title, the club’s inaugural trophy. However, Messi made it clear that this achievement was just the beginning of their quest for success in 2024 and beyond.
“We’ve been here a short time but we already achieved something very important, which was the first title for this club, for our club,” Messi declared, emphasizing the significance of the victory for the players and the club’s future endeavors.
Stresses the importance of winning titles
Messi, who was swiftly joined in Major League Soccer (MLS) by former FC Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, hinted at the possibility of another reunion in the upcoming season, with Luis Suárez rumored to be joining the project.
Messi expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to have fun and enjoy the game, and he reiterated his belief that “next year will be much better.” He stressed the importance of winning titles and urged the fans to continue their incredible support, emphasizing the significance of their involvement in the journey ahead.
In closing, Messi thanked the fans once more and emphasized the need for unity in facing the upcoming challenges. He expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his time in Miami and looked forward to achieving more together in the future.
