Lionel Messi is set to make in debut for his new club Inter Miami in July, the club's managing owner confirmed but the memo did not reach one of his fans, who travelled 1200 miles, or 1931 kilometres to meet his idol.
Inter Miami play in the Major League Soccer (MLS), which is USA's top football tournament. The fan arrived in Philadelphia to see his favourite footballer make his debut in North America during a match between Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami after the club announced earlier in June that he would be heading to the US, bringing a break to his time in Europe.
More recently, Messi travelled back home to take part in a testimonial match for Maxi Rodriguez at his boyhood club, Newells Old Boys. In a match that coincided with his birthday, Messi scored a hat-trick to give his side the win.
But the fan did not get this information on time as he made the long journey to watch Inter Miami face Philadelphia Union but was disappointed to not see the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina play for the David Beckham-owned club. The video of the fan was caught by the Philadelphia Union and they posted it on their social media profiles.
Inter Miami's strong transfer window
The club based in Miami have made major strides in the transfer market with the signings of Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. Another of his former teammates in Jordi Alba is also rumoured to be joining the Miami-based outfit.
Managing owner Jorge Mas confirmed on June 21 that Messi will make his Inter Miami debut on July 21 against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. “I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States," Mas told the Miami Herald.
“I have a very, very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world.
“I cannot overemphasize the magnitude of this announcement.”
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