Lionel Messi’s eldest son Thiago Messi went viral after a brazen incident during Inter Miami’s presentation on Sunday.
Messi was unveiled in front of 20,000 spectators at the PNK Stadium. Spectators braved torrential rain and lightning to see the legendary striker’s debut, which had been postponed due to bad weather.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was presented alongside his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who has extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2025.
What did Messi say during his presentation at Inter Miami?
“I really want to start training and competing,” said Messi after being introduced as “America’s number 10,” “the best number 10 in the world.” I have the same passion for competing, for winning and for helping the club improve that I have always had.
“I am very happy to have chosen to come and play in this city with my family, to choose this project and I am confident that we will have a great time.”
“We are going to have a great time and very good things are going to happen.”
Meanwhile, during the presentation, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham told Messi: “We are very proud that you have chosen our club for this next stage of your career, and we are also delighted to welcome you to your beautiful family.”
Thiago Messi gives his father a nutmeg during the Inter Miami presentation.
Thiago couldn’t help but nutmeg Messi as he enjoyed the love and adoration of the crowd.
Thiago raised his arms in celebration as Messi looked around. Those who witnessed the 10-year-old’s cheeky touch could not contain their joy.
The video has since gained popularity on social media and can be viewed here:
Thiago had reason to be happy. After all, not many can say they cheated the greatest of all time.
What else happened during Messi’s presentation at Inter Miami?
Speaking of goats, a real one was brought to Messi’s presentation at Inter Miami.
Outside the PNK Stadium, the animal was seen posing for selfies with Messi fans.
Where does Inter Miami rank in the MLS standings?
To say that Inter Miami desperately needs Messi right now would be an understatement.
With just 18 points from their first 22 games, the Florida-based club currently sits in the basement of the MLS Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami has not won a league game since a 2-1 victory against New England on May 14. Its winless record now stands at 11 games after Saturday’s 3-0 loss to St. Louis City.
Former Barcelona and Argentina manager Gerard “Tata” Martino was appointed as the team’s new manager at the end of June, succeeding Beckham’s former teammate Phil Neville.
The 60-year-old Argentine manager will be fully aware that Busquets, and especially Messi, have the ability to completely transform the club’s fortunes.
According to Wayne Rooney, Messi will have problems in the MLS.
Meanwhile, DC United manager Wayne Rooney warned Messi that “it won’t be easy” in Major League Soccer.
“Everything is ready for him,” Rooney said, as reported by ESPN. “He’s brought all his friends!” [Sergio] Busquets and Jordi Alba have joined Inter Miami, and [Andrés] Iniesta could follow. Luis Suárez too. Messi likes and trusts his coach [Inter Miami manager Tata Martino]. The fact that MLS is appealing to Messi is huge, especially given what’s happening in Saudi Arabia.
“He’s not going to like it here. It may sound absurd, but newcomers to the league quickly discover that it’s a tough league. The travel, the different conditions in different cities and the high level of energy and intensity on the field.”
