Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Illustration by Nuestro Stories
Argentina’s Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one the greatest fútbol players of all time. Primarily known for his tenure at the Spanish club Barcelona FC and the French PSG (Paris Saint Germain), and internationally playing for the Argentina team, the world was watching and questioning where Messi would choose to showcase his talents earlier this year.
The sports star surprised many by opting to join Inter Miami in the burgeoning Major League Soccer (MLS) League of America. And who could blame him? With its appealing combination of low taxes and stunning tropical landscapes, Miami has emerged as a favored destination for a wide array of celebrities and affluent families. Messi's decision to settle in Miami has undoubtedly heightened the city's allure and cultural richness.
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Messi went to Miami to have a chilled life away from the chaos of stepping out… but but pic.twitter.com/e17F74Xmdo
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) July 29, 2023
Fans and media outlets alike have captured Lionel Messi living a more casual lifestyle than may have been possible in his previous residences. Sightings of Messi running errands with his family around the city have cast him as an ordinary civilian.
“The family appeared to be embracing the American culture as Messi was spotted pushing a cart at the grocery store's checkout with different types of cereal including General Mills' Lucky Charms and Kellogg's' Fruit Loops,” UK’s DailyMail.com reported.
And, while the World Cup and Champions League do hold a certain fascination in North America, their allure isn't as profound as it was in the countries Messi previously inhabited (Spain, France), where a fútbol player's fame could rival the prominence of the sky's hue.
Lionel Messi casually shopping in Miami US..
He's finally living like a normal man 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/szbhs0d992
— 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒 (@ChaaliiyKay) July 14, 2023
Several of America’s most prominent celebrities have made a special effort to attend Lionel Messi’s initial matches in Miami. LeBron James and various other distinguished athletes and actors have graced recent Inter Miami games, relishing the opportunity to meet one of fútbol’s most distinguished talents in history.
Lionel Messi hugs LeBron James before his Inter Miami debut 👏🏽pic.twitter.com/nPTXvWKwqX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 22, 2023
In addition to drawing the country's top stars, Lionel Messi has become an integral part of Miami’s constellation of recognizable celebrities. At one of the club's recent matches, Messi took the field alongside DJ Khaled's son during the national anthems. Frankly speaking, it has become nearly impossible to avoid witnessing Messi engaging with a recognizable figure.
Leo Messi consoling DJ Khaled’s son who was crying 🥺❤️
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) July 25, 2023
This isn't the first instance of a legendary football player bringing their talents to the MLS; notable talents like recently retired Zlatan Ibrahimović and Gonzalo Higuain have preceded Messi. However, none quite match the magnetism and legend of Lionel Messi. Speculation suggests that the final years of this iconic athlete's career will unfold in North America.
Given that he remains at the pinnacle of world-class players, it is hoped that his presence in the U.S. will not only elevate the competition within the MLS but also further kindle the passion for the game of fútbol.
