Inter Miami honored Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or on Friday, but their commemorative friendly against MLS rivals New York City FC concluded with a 2-1 loss. Despite the defeat in a match between teams no longer in MLS championship contention, it was overshadowed by a celebratory night.
Messi, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome in Florida, addressed fans at DRV PNK Stadium. The venue, nearly filled with fans chanting “Messi! Messi!”, reflected the appreciation. Despite Inter Miami’s MLS season ending last month, the event provided a beautiful tribute to the Argentine star.
“I want to thank all the people of Miami, not only those who are here, but in the city in general, for the treatment I and my family have received during this time.
“They showed me a lot of affection, they made me feel at home.”
The 36-year-old superstar received a rapturous welcome when he arrived at Inter Miami in July and powered the struggling franchise to the Leagues Cup title in a tournament with MLS and Mexican league clubs in August.
He played his first MLS regular season match for Miami on August 26 as a second-half substitute, scoring a goal in Inter’s 2-0 win at New York Red Bulls to snap an 11-match winless streak.
But nagged by a late-season leg injury, Messi was unable to lift Miami from the league cellar into the MLS Cup playoffs.
Even so, he has electrified the US league, his appeal underscored by a spike in jersey sales and a rise in sales of MLS season pass viewing subscriptions as well as ticket sales wherever Miami played.
Fans were chanting for him again late in Friday’s match, but he was unable to produce an equalizer in a contest won by NYCFC with goals from Talles Magno and Julian Fernandez.
Messi’s latest Ballon d’Or rewarded exploits achieved well before his move to MLS, namely his inspirational performances at last year’s World Cup in Qatar where he scored seven goals and was named the tournament’s best player as he carried Argentina to victory.
But Messi said he was aiming to build on Miami’s Leagues Cup crown next season — when his club will defend that title and compete in the US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup in addition to their MLS campaign.
“I had no doubt that we were going to have a good time, that we were going to enjoy ourselves and today I have even less doubts that next year is going to be much better,” he said.
