Even David Beckham couldn’t resist the aura of Lionel Messi.
In an interview with Time Magazine, the former England international discussed Messi’s first game with the club and how he was moved to tears when the World Cup winner scored his first goal.
Messi’s first goal for Inter Miami was historic.
Tied 1-1 in the dying moments of the game in the Heron’s League Cup match-up vs. Cruz Azul on July 21st, Messi won a free kick at the top of the 18-yard-box.
The Argentine subsequently scored an incredible free kick that got Miami’s home stadium rocking.
“I remember getting in the car on the way back, and I said to Victoria, ‘I’m not even sure I can drive home,” the 48-year-old told the magazine.
“You couldn’t have written it better. It was for MLS, and for America. It was for the future of the game.”
As 2024 approaches, Inter Miami and Messi will have plenty of more tear-inducing moments to come.
Inter Miami’s 2024 plans
With the Major League Soccer offseason in full swing, Inter Miami will be busy over the next month.
First, according to The Miami Herald, the club is finalizing details to bring striker Luis Suárez to the club.
Additionally, the MLS trade window opened on December 11th which now allows Miami to add league-experienced quality and depth to the team.
“Without tipping what we’re going to do in trades, I do feel that we need to have competition in every spot,” Sporting Director Chris Henderson said in his end-of-year conference.
“We’re looking at everything to [improve the squad.] We have high hopes for 2024, and we want to show what we can do as a club,”
The Herons want to add more silverware to its trophy cabinet. To do so, a roster revamp is a must. Over the next few weeks, expect Miami to be active in that regard.