Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Inter Miami is planning the big presentation of the signings of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets on July 16. This is also the time when the former Barcelona star duo ended their summer break and focused on preparing for the new season. The debut ceremony for the two was held in front of a large number of fans at the DRV PNK Stadium.
Then one day, Inter Miami will have an away game against Saint Louis City. The possibility that Messi and Busquets play in this match is still open. Last week, Inter Miami officials confirmed that M10 will only play the club’s first match on July 21, against Cruz Azul (Mexico).
Messi is on vacation in his hometown after an intense season. The Argentinian superstar just turned 36 on June 24. M10 also took advantage of the game to pay tribute to his former teammate Maxi Rodríguez on June 25.
Inter Miami is expected to give Messi the number 10 shirt. This number remains vacant following the retirement of Gonzalo Higuaín at the end of last year.
With Busquets, the Spanish midfielder and his agent Josep Maria Orobitg must complete the final paperwork in the US to officially become an Inter Miami man. The former Barca star is expected to sign a 3-year contract with the American club, receiving a salary of $10 million per year.
The American media valued that the presence of Messi and Busquets was a new turning point for the MLS. Inter Miami is also rushing to negotiate to name coach Tata Martino as head coach. In the past, coach Martino coached Messi and Busquets at Barcelona in the 2013/14 season.
Coach David Beckham’s team struggled to find a place to play in the MLS Eastern Conference play-offs. Inter Miami is at the bottom of the standings, less than the ninth ranked team, DC United coach Wayne Rooney, with 11 points. This is also the position that determines the final spot for the MLS play-offs.
Inter Miami played 2 fewer games than its competitors. But based on current performance, the US media fears that this club is unlikely to pull off a miracle in the clashes with Austin and Columbus Crew in early July.
