Chapter 8: Miami Dreams and Enduring Legacy (2023–2025)
335 Words
The Pink Arrival: July 2023
DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale – July 21, 2023
Rain lashes the temporary stands. 21,000 fans huddle under ponchos, chanting “¡Messssiiii!” in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Messi signs with Inter Miami on a 2.5-year deal: $54 million base, plus equity, Apple TV revenue, and Adidas bonuses.
• Number 10 – the first time an MLS player is granted it mid-season.
• Press conference: David Beckham, co-owner, tears up.“I promised my daughter I’d bring the best player in the world. I kept my word.”Debut – Leagues Cup vs. Cruz Azul
89th minute, 1–1. Free-kick, 25 yards.
Messi curls it into the top corner—upper 90, goalkeeper motionless.
He runs to the corner flag, arms outstretched, rain streaking his face.
First touch in MLS: a winner.
The clip gets 100 million views in 24 hours.
Ticket prices jump from $29 to $450 overnight.
The Leagues Cup Miracle: August 2023
Inter Miami is last in the Eastern Conference, 15 points from playoffs.
Messi plays 7 games in 31 days:
• Quarter-final vs. Charlotte: Hat-trick.
• Semi-final vs. Philadelphia: 50-yard assist with outside of boot.
• Final vs. Nashville (August 19):
• Scores a curling left-foot screamer in the 23rd minute.
• 1–1 after 90’. Penalties.
• Miami wins 10–9. Messi’s kick: bottom corner, no run-up.
He lifts the first trophy in club history.
Beckham sobs on the pitch.
Messi:“This is for my kids. They wanted to see me lift something new.”The Injury and the MLS Grind: 2024
March 2024 – CONCACAF Champions Cup
Messi tears his hamstring vs. Nashville. Out 10 weeks.
• Returns in May, scores 12 goals in 15 MLS games.
• June 1, 2024 – vs. St. Louis: First MLS hat-trick, all left foot.
The MLS Playoff Push
Miami finishes 1st in the East, but loses the Conference Final to Atlanta.
Messi:“We’ll come back stronger. This league is brutal.”
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