The announcement of Lionel Messi‘s arrival at Inter Miami in MLS has created a media frenzy. However, there is an undeniable truth in all of this.
The addition of the Argentine star may not be sufficient to rectify the club’s current situation, as Inter Miami currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table.
Goalkeeper Nick Marsman, in an interview with ESPN, touched upon a sensitive issue. He specifically highlighted the club’s challenging circumstances in its brief history in MLS.
Marsman‘s remarks were interpreted by various media outlets as a direct questioning of Messi‘s signing. Formerly of Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Marsman personally expressed that the club is ill-prepared to welcome Messi.
“Personally I think that the club is not ready for the arrival of Messi,” Marsman said.
“We have a temporary stadium, people can enter the field, we go to the stadium without security. I hope he arrives, but I think they are not ready.”
Their ground
Inter Miami currently play at the Inter Miami Stadium, situated on the grounds of the old Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The stadium has a capacity of 18,000 spectators. However, the Miami Freedom Park, with a capacity of 25,000 people, is set to be ready in 2025 and will serve as an even more impressive venue to witness Messi‘s presence in MLS.
Everything is improving
The details of Messi’s contract with the Inter Miami have already been revealed. These contractual arrangements could also accelerate the necessary actions to improve the club’s conditions.
Messi will have an ownership stake in the club that has yet to be defined. Additionally, he will receive a percentage of the club’s broadcasting rights. Reports suggest that Adidas has also contributed resources to secure Messi‘s signing.