Inter Miami intends to pay tribute to Lionel Messi’s unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or triumph prior to their forthcoming exhibition match versus New York City FC.
The Herons’ final match at DRV PNK Stadium, scheduled for November 10, 2023, will mark the last appearance of the game’s most exceptional player.
According to an official release from the Inter Miami club, the upcoming festivities will feature a notable event on the field prior to the game. This event will involve the presentation of the Ballon d’Or trophy to the spectators at DRV PNK Stadium. Following this presentation, speeches will be delivered by Messi, Managing Owner Jorge Mas, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The scheduled trip of Miami and Messi to China for a series of friendly matches as part of an international tour was unfortunately canceled owing to unforeseen circumstances. Consequently, the South Florida team is now actively seeking alternative opportunities for friendly action. Despite his limited number of appearances in Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi was nominated for the Newcomer of the Year accolade. However, the trophy was ultimately claimed by Giorgos Giakoumakis of Atlanta United, who secured the honor by virtue of his impressive tally of 17 goals for the team known as the Five Stripes.
Despite Miami’s failure to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, notable players such as Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets had a pivotal role in orchestrating a successful 2023 Leagues Cup campaign. This culminated in a final victory against Nashville SC, resulting in Miami securing their inaugural club trophy.
During his inaugural season with Miami, Lionel Messi, a renowned figure in Barcelona’s football history, demonstrated his exceptional skills by scoring a total of 11 goals and providing five assists in 14 matches across various competitions. After a brief hiatus for recuperation and the prospective addition of Luis Suarez to their roster, the Miami team aims to advance towards more significant achievements in the next year of 2024.
