Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Inter Miami is planning the grand unveiling of signings 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 of 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 match against Saint Louis City. The ability of Messi and Busquets to play in this match is still open. Last week, the leaders of Inter Miami confirmed that M10 will only play the first match for the club on July 21, against Cruz Azul (Mexico).
Messi is on vacation in his hometown after an intense season. The Argentine superstar just turned 36 on June 24. M10 also took advantage of the match to pay tribute to former teammate Maxi Rodriguez on June 25.
Inter Miami is expected to give Messi the number 10 shirt. This shirt number is still vacant after Gonzalo Higuain retired at the end of last year.
With Busquets, the Spanish midfielder and his agent Josep Maria Orobitg must complete the final procedures 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 assessed that the presence of Messi and Busquets created a new turning point for the MLS. Inter Miami is also rushing to negotiate to appoint coach Tata Martino as head coach. In the past, coach Martino used to coach Messi and Busquets at Barcelona in the 2013/14 season.
Manager 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 rankings, less than the 9th ranked team, D.C. United’s coach Wayne Rooney 11 points. This is also the position that determines the final slot for the MLS play-offs.
Inter Miami played 2 games less than its competitors. But based on the current performance, the US media is concerned that this club will hardly make a miracle in the confrontations with Austin and Columbus Crew in early July.