Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi proudly held his Ballon D’Or trophy while fireworks illuminated the sky during a pregame ceremony on Friday night. The Major League Soccer club hosted New York City FC in a friendly game to commemorate Messi’s eighth Ballon D’Or win, which took place at a swanky event in Paris last month. No other player has won the prize more times than him. Messi walked onto the pitch with the trophy in his left hand and was welcomed by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Even Garber couldn’t resist taking a photo of the momentous occasion. In his speech, Messi thanked everyone present, saying that although he had been with the club for only a short time, it felt like a long time. Garber praised Messi for being the best player ever and for his belief in Major League Soccer, making his team and league the go-to choices. The event was a fitting end to Messi’s first four months with the club, and a glimpse of what may come in Year 2.
Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino of Inter Miami expressed his excitement for the upcoming friendly match against New York City FC, which will feature Lionel Messi, calling him the main star of the game and an opportunity for fans to see him and his teammates on the field. The match is a bonus farewell, as Inter Miami’s home schedule was completed three weeks ago without Messi playing. Originally, the team was supposed to play two games in China, but that trip fell through due to unforeseen circumstances. Messi has been training with the team for two weeks after receiving his eighth Ballon D’Or award in Paris. He thanked the people of Miami for making him and his family feel at home. Messi will likely play twice more in 2023, with Argentina’s World Cup qualifying games against Uruguay and Brazil. The team will begin training for 2024 in January, and Inter Miami will participate in the Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and MLS slate that year. Despite debates about the greatest athletes of all time in various sports, Messi’s level of competition in practice easily proves his talent and motivation.
While some may still argue about soccer, there is no denying that Lionel Messi’s eight Ballon D’Or trophies highlight his undeniable talent. Inter Miami forward Benjamin Cremaschi, who was a mere newborn when Messi scored his first official goal for Barcelona in 2005, believes the debate is settled. In Cremaschi’s opinion, Messi has proven himself to be the best player in the world and in history over the last 18 years. Although he admits his view may be biased, he maintains that he has yet to witness anyone better.
