Lionel Messi Ready to Make His Debut

By Sam Batz

On June 5th, 2023, Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, announced his decision to leave European football behind in favor of a move to the MLS’ Inter Miami CF. It was a surprising move, and while the MLS has had some big names in the past, like David Beckham, who now co-owns Messi’s new club, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who spent two seasons with the LA Galaxy, Messi is easily the biggest name to ever join the budding American soccer league.

It was a groundbreaking move for the global soccer icon, and on Tuesday, July 18th, he participated in his first practice as a Heron. The club announced his official arrival a few days before the training to the roar of 18,000 Inter Miami fans in DRV PNK stadium. Tickets are sold out across the country, as fans prepare to flock to their local MLS stadiums to get a glimpse of Messi’s greatness. His grandeur, legend, and impact on the sport cannot be overstated, and MLS fans can’t wait for Messi’s debut match.  

Messi’s legend does not come unwarranted. The 36-year old Argentinian has won 7 Ballon d’Or Trophies, the annual award given to the best player in the world. Messi’s 7 Ballon d’Or is the most for any player in history. In his 19-year-long professional career, Messi has played for three clubs, Barcelona FC, PSG, and now Inter Miami, but Barcenlona is where he made a name for himself. In 778 appearances with the Spanish club, Messi scored 672 goals and assisted 269. He won 6 of his 7 Ballon d’Or trophies at Barcelona, and won all 3 of his Champions League titles with La Liga giants. Messi is Barca’s all-time leader in appearances, goals, wins, titles, and is undoubtedly the greatest player the club has ever seen. 

But all good things must come to an end. On August, 8th 2021, after 21 glorious years with Barcelona FC, which includes his time with the youth academy, Lionel Messi decided to leave his beloved club. He joined Paris Saint-Germain FC, the French Ligue 1 behemoth, reuniting with Brazilian superstar and former Barcelona teammate, Neymar Junior. Messi spent 2 seasons with PSG, adding another league title to his belt, but overall, the move was underwhelming. In 75 appearances for the French club, Messi scored 32 goals and recorded 34 assists. 

But in 2022, Lionel Messi finally caught his white whale, the greatest achievement in international soccer, a World Cup trophy. Messi led Argentina to their 6th World Cup final, scoring 7 goals in 7 matches, adding 3 assists along the way. He scored 2 goals in the final against France, and in arguably the most intense penalty shootout in history, Argentina won 4-2 on penalties to secure Argentina’s 3rd World Cup trophy. Messi had won 42 trophies for both club and country coming into Qatar 2022, and by the end of the tournament he had collected his 43rd, solidifying him as one of the great soccer players in history. 

Messi now takes that greatness to America, and on Friday, July 21st, he will make his debut with his new club. Whether he scores or not, Messi’s legend is set in stone. His skill on the ball is so unique, it’s possible we will never see another player of his caliber ever again. He showed the world he is still the best by winning the World Cup, and now there’s nothing left for him to prove. Inter Miami takes on Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the First Round of the 2023 Leagues Cup, and while the game itself is set to be a great match, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi.