Abrupt weather changes are typical in south Florida. But Sunday, a downpour wouldn't dampen the historic celebration that would take place. Lionel Messi was being introduced to the world as an MLS player, after all. ✍️ FelipeCar | PaulTenorio
There were times this week when it felt as if an official announcement on Messi would never come. Rumors had the news dropping as early as July 5. No release arrived. Nor on July 6, 7 or 8. Even after Messi was captured by cameras getting off a private jet at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport on July 11, fans were left waiting another few days. It heightened the anticipation around a signing that, for many, felt like a through-the-looking-glass moment. Messi was coming.
“Disbelief,” she said, when asked how she felt about the night. She had to see it with her own eyes. It was no surprise that Argentina kits were plentiful on Sunday night. The Miami area is a hotbed for Argentine expats and other Latin American communities. Colombians, Brazilians, Venezuelans and other Latinos populate the region. Messi unites them all, but for Argentines, Sunday’s presentation was uniquely special.“We’re expecting a beautiful welcome for the best player in the world,” said Cristian Nechuta, 46, an Argentine living in Miami. “We hope to see Messi tonight.
On the second level of the stadium is a fan lounge. Supporters gathered around high-top tables and couches, while others mingled around two cash bars and several small tables serving food. Damian Quevedo, 38, and Federico Valdano, 37, roamed the area in Newell’s Old Boys jerseys. Newell’s isQuevedo has lived in Orlando for 15 years, but Valdano traveled from Rosario, Messi’s hometown. Valdano boasted that he shares a surname with 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Valdano.
“I’m here to see the return of Leo Messi,” Valdano interjected. “What’s important tonight for everyone in the world is to see Messi on the pitch again, doing what he loves. Our heart was in Barcelona. It was somewhat with PSG and now we’ll support Inter Miami with everything because of Messi.” Bianca has a plan though. When she’s not in class, Bianca works as a medical scribe at Coral Gables Hospital.Fans party outside the stadium before the rains came.
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