Lionel Messi vowed to deliver more silverware to Inter Miami as the club celebrated his record seventh Ballon D’Or victory.
Inter Miami faced New York City FC in a friendly match dubbed ‘Noche d’Or’ on Friday night. It also marked the end of a seismic season that saw Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba all relocate to South Florida.
The night ended on a dismal note, with NYCFC winning 2-1 despite tempers flaring between the two teams and Messi missing a last-gasp free kick. But, before the game on Friday night, the 36-year-old was introduced to the audience at DRV PNK Stadium, where he guaranteed more trophies for the MLS team.
Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title, the club’s first ever, just a few weeks after coming in the United States.
Lionel Messi vowed to bring more silverware to Inter Miami following their win in Leagues Cup
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Inter Miami hosted a night of celebration to mark Messi’s record eighth Ballon D’Or
‘We secured something very important – the first title for our club,’ Messi said. ‘It was something very important because we were looking for it and we needed it.’
Messi added: ‘I didn’t have a doubt that we were going to enjoy and have a good time. Today I have no doubt like I had in the beginning, now much less that next year will be much better.
‘We will continue to have fun and win more titles. I hope you’re with me. Like these months, next year we have very important things and we need to do it together.’
The World Cup winner, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, also paid tribute to Inter Miami’s supporters and the people of South Florida for making his family feel welcome following their arrival in July.
‘It’s beautiful to share it with you all – I’ve been here for a short time but it seems like I’ve been here a long time,’ he added.
‘I’d like to thank all of the people of Miami – not only the ones in the stadium but everyone here – for the treatment in these months. For myself and my family. They made me feel at home. It’s a city with a lot of Latinos and I feel comfortable.’
Messi was joined on the DRV PNK Stadium field by MLS commissioner Don Garber and Inter Miami’s co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas.
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The World Cup winner was presented to the crowd at DRV PNK Stadium ahead of kick-off
‘I’ve been here for a short time but it seems like I’ve been here a long time,’ Messi said
