A deal for Messi to join Inter Miami is close but lawyers on both sides are still finalising the last details of the agreement.
But in a private briefing last week the club’s managing owner Jorge Mas has already revealed a date for Messi’s potential debut - against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Despite struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Messi’s arrival has sparked wild interest. Miami has a largely Hispanic community and they are expected to turn out in force to welcome former Nou Camp hero Messi when he finally arrives.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber already believes Messi’s arrival could be a seismic, game-changing moment for soccer in the USA.
“You’re dealing with perhaps the most special player in the history of the game” says Garber.
The MLS boss added: “We’re going to have to structure a deal that’s going to compensate him and his family in ways they expect. But already it’s clear soccer in the US has been waiting for a 'Messi Moment'".
The club have already posted a massive surge on their social media platforms with ticket prices also rocketing up a staggering 1,000 per cent with fans scrambling for an opportunity to see Messi make his debut.
Face value £24 tickets for the Cruz Azul Cup game have been re-selling for £265 while teams across the Eastern Conference are experiencing major interest in their fixtures with Miami.
And the club are already working overtime to provide Messi shirts with demand already through the roof.
Messi's impending arrival creates security headache
Lionel Messi's impending arrival in the MLS has brought excitement to fever-pitch level in Miami and across the game in America.
But it’s brought a big headache for Miami’s security team.
Majority owner Jorge Mas has already held talks with the club’s protection department with the safety of the Argentinian star and his family a major priority.
And Mas has insisted an exhaustive list of extensive new measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of Messi as well as the rest of the club’s players when the team is on their travels and at their own Fort Lauderdale stadium and training facility.
It’s believed Messi will have his own protection team guarding himself and his family but the club expect his arrival to be manageable when he’s on club duty.
And he pointed to Messi’s last visit to the USA before the World Cup in Qatar as a successful security operation with Miami’s own security detail constantly updating their practices.
