The sports world was abuzz Friday night with Lionel Messi set to take the pitch for the first time in MLS as a member of Inter Miami.
Though the international soccer superstar wasn’t in the club’s starting lineup for the Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, his mere presence was enough to draw out some of the world biggest celebrities to the 305.
LeBron James led the way among the high-profile personalities to flood into DRV PNK Stadium on Friday for the 8 p.m. kickoff. The Lakers star was reportedly expected to attend the landmark match and his arrival generated its own waves ahead of the game.
LeBron James pulled up to Miami for Messi’s debut 👀
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 21, 2023
(via @ClayWPLG)pic.twitter.com/32F4RcHSSj
Prior to kickoff, with Messi beginning the match on the bench, James and Inter Miami’s newest addition shared a warm exchange—from one GOAT to another.
GOAT things. 😏
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2023
Messi x @KingJames pic.twitter.com/HBtkucee4w
James wasn’t the only one who was ready to see history be made in Miami on Friday. Kim Kardashian was seen pulling up to the match alongside her children, whom she credited with driving her attendance during an interview on Apple TV.
Checking in with @KimKardashian & her soccer-loving son. 😅 #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/W00t1phZxB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 21, 2023
Slightly later in the evening, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was seen heading to her seat. Naturally, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham—along with his wife Victoria Beckham—were also on hand for the important evening.
Victoria Beckham taking LeBron James and David Beckham a photo before Inter Miami game 🤝 pic.twitter.com/QD4ey0Axvw
— Loky 🃏 (@LokyMann) July 21, 2023
With the stars in the building, all that’s left is for Messi to take his first steps out onto the pitch and into the annals of American soccer history.
