‘Shake his hand, kiss or hug?’ - Lionel Messi left new Inter Miami team-mates starstruck after completing stunning MLS move

The Argentine icon made a stunning switch to the United States after bringing a memorable spell in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to a close. David Beckham and Co were able to lure the all-time great to Florida, with an immediate impact made by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

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Nicolas Stefanelli - another Argentine on Inter Miami’s books - admits that news of Messi’s arrival took a while to sink in, with nobody sure of how to greet the modern day icon. Stefanelli has told Fox Sports: “When the news came out, we couldn't believe it. We said it was a lie. We didn't believe it, we said it wasn't going to happen. I didn't believe it until I greeted him. If I think about it, I still haven't get my head around it to this day.”

He added on the dilemma of deciding whether to “shake his hand, kiss or hug him”: “I wanted to do everything together. I gave him a kiss and we started talking.”

Messi inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival, and has his sights set on more major honours in 2024. He forms part of a big Spanish-speaking community in Florida, with Stefanelli saying when asked if his fellow countryman ever communicates in America’s native language: “No I haven’t heard him speak English. We are waiting!”

Messi has returned to America from a winter break in his homeland, with Inter Miami readying themselves for the start of pre-season action. Their schedule there includes meetings with Messi’s first club, Newell’s Old Boys, a historic tour of the Far East and a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr at the Riyadh Cup.