The co-owner of Inter Miami has revealed that the MLS club will ramp up its security arrangements ahead of the impending arrival of superstar Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian icon is set to sign for the Herons in early July, with the transfer having already having inspired unprecedented fanfare across the US. The 35-year-old, who is considered by many to be the greatest to ever play the sport, will move to the coastal city where he already owns a home to potentially see out the twilight years of his illustrious career.
For context, following the announcement that the departing Paris Saint-Germain winger would be heading to MLS this summer, all tickets to see the World Cup winner in action at away grounds sold out within hours. On top of this, the clamour for seats to see Messi in action for his new team has seen second hand tickets for his debut listed for as much as $20,701 (£16,300) on StubHub.
Clearly, 'Messi Mania' is now in full swing stateside, with the intrigue surrounding his signing pretty much unmatched across the history of the sport in the US. Of course, world famous players have turned out for MLS stars in the past including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Steven Gerrard and the standout David Beckham but it appears that the former Barcelona legend's star power has captured the imaginations of the public at large.
Considering his rock star-like status, it is likely that Messi will attract crowds far beyond those with tickets to see him in action at locations across the US in the coming months and years. Currently, the fledgling South Beach franchise he will join is playing at the temporary DRV PNK Stadium, with a new stadium on the way in 2025.
For now, however, some concerns have been raised about the suitability of the former 18,000 seater interim venue that Inter Miami currently calls home. Herons goalkeeper Nick Marsman explained that he would be concerned about the security at the stadium as it stands ahead of the arrival of Messi.
He previously told ESPN: “I think our club is just not ready yet, we have a temporary stadium and people can just walk onto the pitch. For example, there are no fences. There is no security when we walk from the training ground to the stadium."
However, club co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that security will duly be ramped up ahead of the arrival of the superstar, with the billionaire businessman citing a previous example of Messi playing in Miami as proof that provisions can be made for the fanfare around him Speaking to the Miami Herald, Mas said: 'Security will obviously be enhanced, players will be bussed in, going through a tunnel.
"All of those security protocols are already prepared both for here and away and it’s not only for our games. It’s going to be an everyday occurrence and something we witnessed and I thought handled very well when (Messi) was here with Argentina before the World Cup.
"As you may recall, Argentina trained in Miami before they flew over to to Doha. We had an opportunity to see some of the Messi mania at our doors on an everyday basis during practice. So, we’re very prepared. We’ve been getting ready for this."
