After breaking the record for most Ballon d’Or victories, Lionel Messi says he has “no doubt” that Inter Miami will win more trophies.
The 36-year-old Argentina attacker was voted the world’s greatest player for an eighth time last month, after helping his team win the 2022 World Cup.
After leaving Paris St. Germain for Miami in July, the MLS team immediately won its first title, the Leagues Cup, in August.
“We are going to continue enjoying and winning titles,” Messi stated.
“I hope you accompany us as you accompanied us all these months that I’ve been here.”
In 2023, Messi would return to Miami for the final game of the US season and participate in a friendly against New York City.
As a way to honor Messi’s accomplishment, the club renamed the match to the “Noche d’Or” and held a ceremony to mark the occasion on the pitch at DRV PNK Stadium.
“I did not doubt that we were going to have a good time, that we were going to enjoy it,” the four-time Champions League champion continued.
“Today I have no doubt, as I didn’t at the beginning, and much less now, that next year is going to be a lot better.”
During the 2023 season, Miami also acquired Messi’s former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and they supposedly have a contract in place to bring in another ex-Barca star, Luis Suarez, before the 2024 season.
Before Friday’s game, MLS commissioner Don Garber walked a gold carpet with Miami managing owner Jorge Mas and co-owner Jose Mas to address the fans.
They were joined by Messi and gold fireworks went out as he held aloft his latest Ballon d’Or trophy, albeit he was unable to assist his team escape a 2-1 defeat.
Messi, who is signed with the club through the end of 2025, said, “I’ve only been here a little while but it feels like I’ve been here a long time.”
I’d want to express my gratitude to everyone in Miami, not only the fans in the stadium but the entire city, for the kind welcome we’ve had over the past several months.
“You’ve shown me a lot of love and made me feel at home.”
