In a groundbreaking move, global football icon Lionel Messi is on its way to below Miami when the MLS summer transfer window opens on July 5. After his contract expires with Paris At Saint-Germain, Messi will transfer on a free transfer at the end of June, although there are still a few things to happen before he officially signs his contract with the Herons. But with that seeming formality, the anticipation is building to see arguably the greatest soccer player ever play in America.
Miami is preparing for the arrival of Messi by appointing Tata Martino as their new manager and also fielding new signings such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, but a date has now also been set for his unveiling at the DRV PNK- stadium. Messi will be revealed Sunday, July 16 at 6 p.m. ET.
It remains to be seen if the deals for Busquets and Alba will be officially complete to unveil them as well, but all of Miami is gearing up with Messi murals popping up all over the city. Tickets for that reveal are free for season ticket members, and a select few are also sold separately.
With Messi’s reveal set, we take a look at when his debut is likely to be for Inter Miami.
The Herons are involved in the league, Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and the newly created Leagues Cup.
This is when he could make his debut:
July 19: MLS All-Star Game
Although Messi is not officially on the roster for the All-Star game against Arsenal, he could make a brief appearance at Audi Field in Washington DC on July 19. We’ve seen players appear in this game before they didn’t play for their club that often, and as this is an important event for Major League Soccer, it makes sense to have Messi present if possible.
July 21: against Cruz Azul
After winning the World Cup with ArgentinaMessi has been playing football essentially non-stop since July 2022, when PSG played in the Trophee des Championes against Nantes. To protect his legs, he would need at least a month of rest and to be able to play again. It has therefore been reported that his debut for the club is likely against their Leagues Cup tie Cruz Azul on July 21 at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Mas stressed that the goal is for Messi to play in this match, while work will also be done to increase the capacity of the stadium in preparation for his arrival.
“We have already signed a contract to fill the corners of the stadium, which should increase the capacity by about 3,000 to 3,200 seats. We are preparing to do that work in the next four weeks,” said Mas. The Miami Herald. “Every game will be sold out. The demand for tickets is 10 times what we can handle on a season ticket basis.”
Not only does that allow Messi to make his home debut as he helps the MLS promote a new league against a well-known Liga MX side, but it also ensures he gets plenty of rest before heading into a summer of MLS.
August 20: against Charlotte FC
After that match, there is another break in which Messi can rest again before confrontation Charlotte F.C at home on August 20 for his MLS league debut. By that game, it would be standard preseason time for Messi and he will be ready to help drive Miami to the playoffs with just 12 games left in the regular season.