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The energy was palpable as soon as the taxi rolled up at the Chase Stadium. Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer to ever grace planet earth, was confirmed to be returning to action for Inter Miami’s clash with Philadelphia Union in Fort Lauderdale after a recent injury.
For the second time in my life, I had the pleasure of watching the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner strut his stuff live in the flesh. Only this time it was in Miami and not Manchester. And things were very, very different.
As expected, the 19,000-capacity stadium was a sea of pink shirts/jerseys with Messi’s name on the back. Like Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990’s, everyone was here to see one special player.
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Messi-mania has been running wild in Miami and the MLS on the whole ever since he made the monumental move on 15 July 2023, penning a lucrative £20.4 million-a-year deal after turning down an insane offer from Saudi Arabia.
The unique contract is also believed to contain several revenue-sharing clauses so that Messi profits from Adidas shirt sales and Apple TV MLS Season Pass viewing figures. His impact has been nothing short of incredible and since he joined, Inter Miami have signed no less than 11 major sponsorship deals.
The Barcelona legend also has the option to purchase his own MLS franchise in the future and follow in the footsteps of the man who was so key in bringing him to the 'Magic City'.
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In negotiating the option to acquire his own team for a discounted $25 million back in 2007 when he signed for LA Galaxy, David Beckham was responsible for one of the most shrewd business decisions in sporting history.
He exercised that option to fill the void of an MLS outfit in Miami, partnering with Cuban-American brothers Jorge and Jose Mas, who made their money in telecommunications in Miami and own 90 per cent.
The MLS approved the expansion in 2018 and the Herons played their first game in 2020.
But it was the capture of Messi on a free transfer which really started the party. And what a party it was, largely down to the Latino passion on display from the La Familia - Inter’s ultras behind the goal who drive the atmosphere and bring all the energy - as well as the pre-match Reggaeton which blasted through the speakers.
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After being given pitchside access and a tour of the start-of-the-art, 50,000 square foot Florida blue training centre adjacent to the stadium, we made our way to the Northwest club for an experience like no other.
This is a 10,000 square foot hospitality space, with three different levels. One is an air-conditioned enclosed first level, the second spot is an outdoor terrace on level 2 and the third level is an open-air lounge. I watched a Messi madness from four different viewpoints and it was delightful.
Guests seated in sections 102, 131 and select rows in adjacent sections can sit in their allocated seats but they also get exclusive access to this club, which includes all you can eat food and beverages like beer and soft drinks.
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The whole menu, which changes every game, was packed to the brim and had options galore. But the fact I could stand on a second floor terrace balcony with a tub of ice cream while watching Messi do his thing was quite special.
People do this regularly though, with tickets ranging from $4,420 to $5,440 for the 17-home game season depending whether you are in the NW midfield or NW prime section.
The lowest-priced season ticket for Inter Miami’s next game is $69 and the cheapest season ticket for the 2024 regular season is $867, working out at $51 dollars per match.
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As the teams lined up on the pitch, the national anthem played and was followed by a firework display. But it was the visitors who started the contest on flames, with Mikael Uhre giving Union a shock lead just a minute in.
There was no panic from Tata Martino’s side though. Messi’s former Barcelona pals Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were all in the side for the Eastern Conference league leaders and they knew there was plenty of time left.
The Leagues Cup winners just needed to find Messi in the right spaces. And sure enough that soon happened, with Messi rolling back the years and combining with Suarez to level matters, twisting onto his right foot and slotting home.
Danza Kuduro, the goal music supplied by Don Omar and Lucenzo, got its first of three plays. Not that you could hear it that loudly as the ‘Messi!’ chants were deafening.
In another nod to 2015 Barca, mere minutes later Alba, the teammate who knows Messi best on the pitch, teed up the Argentine to make it 2-1. An eruption of noise ensued, celebrating Messi’s 27th goal for Inter. A further three strikes will see him surpass compatriot Gonzalo Higuain as top scorer.
Messi set up Suarez for what looked the third goal before half-time, only for VAR to disallow it.
It was my first his experience of hearing a referee explain his decision over the tannoy and the pantomime-like boos for the correct call made me chuckle.
The same combination did result in the victory-sealing goal deep in stoppage time though and there was a chance to see Messi’s viral bodyguard at work.
I watched Yassine Chueko closely in the first half and his scanning of surroundings were almost on par with Messi.
When a pitch invader sprinted on at the death, he was like on the scene to apprehend them in rapid time.
In all truth, Messi completely coasted his way through the game. He barely moved off the ball and yet he didn’t need to.
His ability continues to be on another level as he comes alive in possession with jinking runs, exquisite defence-splitting passes and fine finishing. I couldn’t help but marvel at his brilliance and felt blessed to have witnessed it in person.
Although the temporary home of Inter Miami isn’t completely groundbreaking in terms of its stadia, there is definitely a cool vibe to it.
And in 2026, Inter will move to the stunning Miami Freedom Park once the entirely privately funded project is complete. The 131-acre development will feature an entertainment district, sports facilities, a hotel and 25,000 capacity stadium.
It will be located on the site of the former Melreese Country Club in Miami – rather than Fort Lauderdale – and $6.3 billion will be paid in tax revenue over the lease term.
The move will be a step towards Jorge Mas’ ambitious goal of being a top four club and the thought of seeing Messi extend his deal so he can play there is mouthwatering.
Most importantly, let’s just hope there’s ice cream on the agenda.
Topics: Argentina, Barcelona, Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, MLS, Spotlight
Josh Lawless