Lionel Messi has given an emotional speech to his Inter Miami fanbase, thanking David Beckham for bringing him to the club after walking out as a Major League Soccer player for the first time.
At a stunning ceremony in Miami, led by Miami co-owner David Beckham, Messi walked out in front of his new fans and outlined his desire to usher in a new era of success at his new team.
‘Thank you very much,’ Messi said, to wild cheers. ‘First of all I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome, this affection. I want to thank you for the kindness and love that you have given me. This has happened so fast
‘I am very happy to be here, to be with you. I want to thank Jose (Mas, Miami co-owner), David (Beckham) for the welcome.
Lionel Messi gave an emotional speech as he was unveiled as an Inter Miami player on Sunday
He thanked David Beckham and said the Miami owners have made ‘everything easy’ for him
‘They are making everything easy for us, everything has been spectacular since we arrived. I really want to start training and compete. I want to win for the club to continue growing.
‘I hope that you will join us as you have since the season began. I thank my new colleagues for the welcome.
‘I am very happy to have chosen this city with my family, to have chosen this project. I have no doubt that we are going to have a good time. Thank you all very much for this day.’
Beckham started the night by giving Messi an emotional welcome speech of his own saying: ’10 years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team.
‘I said then that I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world Florida and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next generation and help build a legacy in this sport.
‘Please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
‘Leo, we are so proud you have chosen this club for the next stage of your career. Welcome to the family.
‘We are also so proud to be joined by the one and only Sergio Busquets. One of the most complete midfield players of his generation.
Beckham told Messi he was ‘so proud’ to welcome the World Cup winner to Inter Miami
Beckham was also seen giving Messi’s wife Antonela a warm welcome to Inter Miami
‘We are building a special club here in Inter Miami, a club that cares about the community it serves. Our fans are what makes Inter Miami unique. Together we will create unforgettable memories.
‘Like all of you, I can’t wait to see Leo take the field in our colors. Ladies and gentlemen, the next chapter of our story starts here.’
Busquets was was also unveiled to his new fans, moments before Messi walked out.
‘Hello everyone, thank you for coming,’ Busquets said, speaking to the crowd in English.
‘I’m happy to be here in Miami, for me it’s a blessing to be part of Inter Miami and I want to thank Jorge, Jose, David for making it possible.
‘I’m so excited to start training and playing with my team-mates and see you soon.’
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