Inter Miami’s presentation of Lionel Messi breaks record set by Cristiano Ronaldo with 3.5B views

Amidst downpours and lightning, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic fans filled the stadium, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi who was presented with a number 10 shirt.

In a brief speech delivered in Spanish, the 36-year-old Messi expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized that he still possesses the same unwavering desire to excel.

Gracias Miami por una noche inolvidable 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/WX6EfCerX8

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 17, 2023

Having secured a deal until the end of 2025, the Argentine forward and World Cup winner has officially joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) club. Joining him at Miami is defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets, his former teammate from Barcelona, who has also signed on until 2025. Busquets was also formally introduced during the event that took place on Sunday night.

"I'm very happy to be part of Inter Miami." – Sergio Busquets pic.twitter.com/Uqmpfqw0U6

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 17, 2023

Lionel Messi was introduced as “America’s number 10, the world’s best number 10”. The DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale serves as Inter Miami’s temporary home ground and accommodates 18,000 spectators, making it one of the smallest stadiums in the MLS, along with San Jose Earthquakes’ PayPal Park in California.

🚨OFFICIAL: Leo Messi's Inter Miami presentation holds the record of highest worldwide views of 3.5 Billions surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo 's Al Nassr presentation of 3 Billions worldwide views. pic.twitter.com/VlgXa8uIiD

— SK10 𓃵 (@SK10_Football) July 17, 2023

However, a temporary grandstand has been set up to accommodate more fans.

After bidding farewell to Paris St-Germain, where he scored 32 goals in 75 games over two seasons, Messi opted to reject lucrative offers from other countries in favor of playing in the United States. This decision marks the first time he will represent a non-European club.

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his delight at Messi’s signing, considering it a “dream come true”. The primary owner of Inter Miami, American billionaire Jorge Mas, lauded Messi as “the best player ever to don boots”.

Messi is expected to make his debut for Miami against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul on 21 July in their opening match of the Leagues Cup. Furthermore, he reunites with his former Barcelona and Argentina coach, Gerardo Martino, who was appointed as the team’s manager in June following the departure of Phil Neville.