A fan made a 1,200-mile trip to watch Inter Miami to try and see Lionel Messi in the flesh – but he is still on holiday.
Messi’s time in Europe is over as his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer.
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And despite Barcelona attempting to bring him back for a romantic return to the Nou Camp, the World Cup winner has struck a new agreement.
Instead, Messi will join Inter Miami in the MLS and he will make the move after he returns from his holiday.
But that information did not reach one fan, who made travelled 1,200 miles to watch Inter Miami take on Philadelphia Union to get a glimpse of Messi.
However, when he arrived at the Subaru Park, it became clear that the Argentine was not there.
In fact, he has not even been unveiled as an Inter Miami player yet as his contract at PSG has not officially expired.
Despite all parties ready for a departure, Messi’s contract will come to an end on June 30.
Only after that date can he formalise a free transfer to Inter Miami.
And it means that Messi’s actual debut could come against Cruz Azul on July 21 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
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Inter Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas has already spoken out on the impending transfer and what it means for football in the United States.
He said: “I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States.
“I have a very, very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world.
“I cannot over-emphasise the magnitude of this announcement.
“Having the world’s greatest player here is something that is significant for our league, and for the football ecosystem in the United States…
“Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference.
“I think it’s incumbent upon myself and my partners in the league, the other owners, to seize the moment.”
Inter Miami will hope Messi’s arrival can spark some form after a miserable campaign that has already seen Phil Neville sacked as manager.
And even on Sunday as they faced Philadelphia Union, they were in shoddy form as they were battered 4-1.
They remain bottom of the Eastern Conference in the MLS, with just five wins out of 18 matches.
As well as Messi on the books, other notable players include ex-Newcastle star DeAndre Yedlin and former Wolves youth ace Leonardo Campana.
