Lionel Messi debut for Inter Miami set for July 21

Inter Miami CF are planning for Lionel Messi to make his debut on July 21 in a Leagues Cup match towards Liga MX’s Cruz Azul, proprietor Jorge Mas advised reporters Monday.

Messi, 35, mentioned earlier this month he intends to signal for Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, though a deal stays to be finalised.

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In a wide-ranging interview with a small group of reporters, including the Miami Herald, managing proprietor Mas mentioned the membership won’t get direct subsidy from MLS and that “no rules are being changed to incorporate Messi on to Inter Miami’s roster.”

Miami plan for Messi, who’s on vacation in Rosario, to make his debut on the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, towards the Mexican aspect on July 21.

Mas mentioned Miami are making ready for Messi’s arrival, which incorporates work on rising the capability of their stadium to 22,000 by including roughly 3,000 seats. Security for gamers will probably be enhanced each for house and away video games.

“As you may recall, Argentina trained in Miami before they flew over to Doha [for 2022 World Cup], where we had an opportunity to see some of the Messi mania at our doors on an everyday basis during practice. So, we’re very prepared. We’ve been getting ready for this,” Mas mentioned.

The Argentina captain mentioned final week that he’s “eager and ready to face this new challenge” after turning down presents to maneuver to Barcelona and Saudi Arabian membership Al Hilal.

Mas mentioned he believes Messi’s arrival will probably be a sport changer for Major League Soccer and inspired different homeowners to “seize the moment.”

“I think there will always be a ‘before and after Messi’ when we talk about the sport in the United States,” he mentioned. “I cannot overemphasise the magnitude of this announcement. Having the world’s greatest player here is something that is significant for our league, and for the football ecosystem in the United States … Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference.

“I believe it is incumbent upon myself and my companions within the league, the opposite homeowners, to grab the second.”

Information from The Associated Press was used on this story.