Nine goals & yet another trophy in sight: Inside Lionel Messi's first month at Inter Miami as Leagues Cup glory beckons

It was supposed to be dream moment, but even Messi couldn't stop the rain. On the night of his introduction, the South Florida skies opened up, as they tend to do. It was perhaps the perfect introduction to the state: welcome to Florida, meet the rain, Leo.

It would have been easy for the weather to quite literally rain on Messi's parade, but Jorge Mas, the man most crucial in bringing him to Miami, saw it a different way.

“Tonight is a gift and celebration to the city that opened its arms to my family," Mas said. "Tonight we are doing this in the rain. This is holy water!

A wild proclamation, but also a fitting one when assessing Messi's god-like status all over the world. Despite that rain, fans made the pilgrimage to DRV PNK Stadium not to see Messi play, but to see him speak and wave a bit. Sergio Busquets was there, too, of course, but come on now... this was about Messi.

That rain-soaked night will be remembered as his introduction to American soccer, albeit an imperfect one.

Mas understood the significance: "This is our moment! Our moment to change the football landscape in this country. When David and I first met and we dreamt of what Inter Miami represents, it started off with the freedom to dream. And we dreamed of not only bringing elite players and the best players but the best player to ever don boots — and his name is Lionel Andres Messi.”

You've seen the pictures by now: Messi out in public doing his shopping. It's like seeing an alien walking among the general population. Who knew that the Messi's liked Froot Loops so much?

Since his now famous appearance at Publix, we haven't quite seen him out in public as much, aside from a series of dinner photos with Beckham and his long-time Barca team-mates. Part of that, of course, is due to the flurry of Leagues Cup games.

Still, Miami and the U.S. offer Messi something he never quite had during his time in Barcelona and Paris: privacy. It's something that has called many players before to the United States. Steven Gerrard once said how much he appreciated simply walking up and down the Los Angeles beach with his family, having spent the entirety of his adult life as an icon in Liverpool.

Messi, unfortunately, doesn't quite have that luxury. He is a different level of famous, after all, which is why he is constantly accompanied by a bodyguard wherever he goes. Messi may be able to make the odd Publix trip, but he'll never be able to live like a normal person.

The small doses, though, are probably a nice change of pace for a man who has been an icon all over the world for as long as he can probably remember.

“From the very beginning ever since I arrived the welcome was impressive," Messi said. "It’s a city with many Latinos and that’s why everything is a bit easier. Latino people are close, they show their emotions all the time, they show their sentiments and their care, and proximity. That’s the most important thing. It’s very healthy, and helps acclimate yourself.

“People in this city and this club have made it easy for us," he added. "The fans, the people that I meet every day on the streets in the city we are now, it’s a spectacular city, and that’s why I can live with happiness."

It was widely reported and has been admitted as fact: Messi was not happy in Paris.

His relationship with the club and its fans was always complicated. By the end, things had grown somewhat toxic as Messi and Paris Saint-Germain failed to live up to their own lofty expectations by winning the Champions League.

“I came here in Miami looking for this, to be able to enjoy again as I was doing all my career after two complicated years [with PSG]," he told ESPN. "And luckily, me and my family are in the place where we are happy, not only for football, but for day-to-day life also.”

He harped on that point further in his press conference later on Thursday, adding: “Me going to Paris wasn’t something I wanted. I didn’t want to leave Barcelona and that was from one day to another. I had to get adjusted to a completely different place from where I had been all my life, both from the city standpoint and sporting standpoint, and it was hard. It’s the complete opposite of what’s happening now, thank God.”

Inter Miami's players all had a similar reaction from the moment they realized what had happened: 'how the hell did Lionel Messi sneak into the WhatsApp group?!'

That, somehow, happened in the hours leading up to his unveiling. Messi, the most famous footballer on the planet, had entered the team group chat under the radar.

It was in that group chat that striker Leonardo Campana asked for any extra tickets to the event. A new number soon popped up saying he'd handle it. It was Messi.

"I didn't even know whether Messi was in the group chat yet," said DeAndre Yedlin, "But he popped up straightway and said, 'How many do you need though?'. Straightaway like that.

"From there I was just like 'Woah!' You know what I mean? Like straight off the bat, they maybe know each other for three days or something. But to show that generosity is a great fresh example of how he (Messi) is."

In the weeks since, Messi has worked hard to endear himself to his team-mates. He's seemingly developed quite a bond with Josef Martinez, a player he's battled with in CONMEBOL when facing Venezuela. Robert Taylor, a Finnish international who was once languishing in England's lower leagues, is now his go-to running mate. When Ian Fray suffered another catastrophic ACL injury, Messi paid tribute to him, despite knowing him for just a matter of days. And when Philadelphia Union enforcer Jose Martinez took out Noah Allen late in Inter Miami's win, it was Messi who was immediately in his face to defend his new colleague.

He, of course, already has a relationship with the likes of Alba and Busquets, but Messi has seemingly worked hard to make sure to develop a bond even with his lesser-known team-mates.

So, when Inter Miami showed up to the field all wearing new club-branded headphones, it was easy to figure out where they'd come from.

“You have to ask Messi," Yedlin said. "Messi got them for the team. I don’t know if he bought them, but he gave everyone headphones."

Imagine being Benjamin Cremaschi. You're a rising, Miami-born, homegrown starlet who happens to play for Argentina's youth teams. His parents were born and raised in Argentina and, from a young age, Cremaschi was taught to idolize Messi.

Suddenly, the 18-year-old midfielder looks around and finds himself next to the man he idolizes. And he's not just making up the numbers; with Messi's current style of play, it's vital that players like Cremaschi do the running needed to allow the ex-Barca star to thrive.

“I don't get tired of talking to him, I never will,” Cremaschi said. “It's amazing what he can do and nobody expected him to do what he's doing... We can't wait so we keep on going like that and [he] helps us to get as far as we possibly can.”

David Ruiz, another young homegrown star, has also seen his confidence skyrocket since Messi and co. arrived in South Florida.

“They’re players that obviously just try and give advice," Ruiz said. "That's something that they just told us, 'Oh, just maintain more your position', that the ball’s going to get to you. Stop running for the ball too much where you’re just trapping yourself – things like that.”

It's something Martino has noticed during his short time with the club. Before Messi arrived, Inter Miami were a team somewhat devoid of confidence, sitting last in MLS. Now, there's a new level of effort and excitement, particularly from the club's rising stars.
“The first impact that the footballers have, the arrival of Leo and the arrival of Busi, I think it has given [their team-mates] a lot of confidence,” said Martino. “They feel more supported, they feel that the responsibility is carried by the great players. And then they feel more liberated to play."

It's never hard to get celebrities to South Beach. Messi, after all, has long been an admirer of Miami, having vacationed in the city many times before.

But DRV PNK Stadium has quickly gone Hollywood as some of the biggest stars in the world have turned up to watch him play.

LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams... all were in attendance for Messi's debut match against Cruz Azul. Beckham, of course, was there too, as the English icon was seen in tears after Messi scored that sublime late winner.

In the weeks since, the celebrity presence hasn't slowed down. Messi walked out with DJ Khaled's son, Asahd, against Atlanta United. Ex-NFL star Tony Romo popped up in Dallas when Messi and Inter Miami hit the road. Marc Anthony, Diddy, Rick Ross, Derek Jeter... all have been spotted marveling at Messi. He's not as big a name, of course, but Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni also been present with his family to take in an Inter Miami match during this run.

The red carpet atmosphere won't be slowing down any time soon. Even the most famous of folk are left in awe by Messi. He's a celebrity to celebrities, and they'll keep showing up to watch as Messi has become the hottest ticket in America.

It's been a phenomenon that has existed for years: the race to swap shirts with Messi. Every player on the field wants Messi's jersey, but only one, or a few, could be so lucky.

Messi usually takes care of his fellow Argentines, and he's largely done that since arriving stateside. World Cup team-mate Thiago Almada got his shirt after Inter Miami's win over Atlanta United, while young compatriot Alan Velasco got it after doing his best to go toe-to-toe with the GOAT in FC Dallas' narrow defeat. Julian Carranza, meanwhile, is the latest to claim a Messi shirt, having earned it after Miami's win over the Philadelphia Union.

Carlos Rotondi of Cruz Azul, meanwhile, got it from Messi's debut thanks to his close friendship with Messi's international team-mate Lisandro Martinez and his own history with Newell's.

Messi, though, keeps spares to hand out after the game as well, with Kardashian's son, North, receiving an autographed one of those after Messi's debut. It's no game-worn shirt, but it'll do!

Thus far, Messi's played two games away from home, and he's received vastly different receptions in those two games.

First up was a trip to Dallas for a game that, ultimately, was the best of Messi's time in the States so far. The crowd was treated to a Messi special, as he scored in the sixth minute before hitting a game-tying free-kick with five minutes left, leading Miami to a penalty shootout win.

In that match, Messi was, largely, treated with reverence, much as he is most times when he plays away from home. The crowd was filled with Messi shirts and, even when Messi scored, there was an aura of amazement and excitement from the Dallas crowd.

The crowd in Philadelphia? Significantly less welcoming. Philly fans are notorious for their harshness, shall we say, and not even Messi was excluded from a true Philly welcome. Boos rang out starting during warmups, when Messi was even jeered whenever he missed a shot.

Messi and Miami got the last laugh, as the Union, one of the best teams in MLS, collapsed in a 4-1 defeat. Alejandro Bedoya scored the lone goal for the Union, and he admitted that he thinks his son may have been rooting against him.

“He'll probably be like, 'I can't believe you scored against Messi',” Bedoya said. “Even though he was telling me that Messi’s gonna score. Messi’s his favorite player. You know, he's at that age … kids say the darnedest things.”

Bedoya wasn't the only star whose family got involved after the Union loss. Daniel Gazdag, the Union's star midfielder, was photographed with Messi postgame, only for his wife to comment: "He never looks at me like that!"

It's safe to say, though, that the Messi circus is in full effect wherever he goes. Ticket prices are skyrocketing to record levels all over the league with fans looking to get a glimpse of Messi. And, in Dallas, there was nearly a stampede of fans attempting to greet Beckham after his team's result. There have been pitch invaders too, of course, but they've been swept away almost immediately.

Teams all over the league are facing unique challenges when Messi arrives, from ticketing to security, but it's safe to say that he won't be playing in any empty stadiums.

It's become a common sight after Inter Miami's home games: the youngest Messis on the field trying their best to recreate their father's magic.

Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, all wearing pink and black Messi jerseys, are frequently seen in pitch-side seats with their mother Antonela Roccuzzo and, after the match, their real fun begins. All three dribble, pass and score in front of whatever crowd still remains in DRV PNK Stadium.

These are nights and moments the kids will never forget. Much has changed in their lives over the last few years, for sure, as they've bounced from Barcelona to Paris to Miami. And, let's be honest, Messi's children will never quite have "normal" lives.

But, in South Beach, Messi hopes his kids get some taste of normality.

“We still don't have the house where we're going to live yet,” Messi said. "But it's been an easy adjustment. We were convinced to come here and everyone [the club, fans and people on the street] has made it easy … the kids will start school soon and that will help to get to the end of that adjustment, and get used to daily life."

When school does start this fall, maybe their late-night kickabouts will become a bit less frequent, especially on school nights.

At long last, we have an answer to the question that may have been asking since Messi arrived in MLS: what's going on with those Marvel celebrations?

Thus far, Messi has done three celebrations in honor of superheroes. First up was a nod to Thor, with Messi extending his hand as if to snag Mjolnir, the god of thunder's famous hammer. Next up? A Wakanda Forever salute in honor of Black Panther. And then came an homage to Spider-Man, with Messi shooting fake web shooters after scoring against Charlotte FC.

Many assumed the celebrations were something sponsored, as MLS has a partnership with Marvel. But Messi says the explanation is much simpler: they're for his kids.

"My three sons are still on vacation, have not started school yet, so every night we watch Marvel superhero movies," he told the Miami Herald. "They came up with the idea and asked that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a Marvel superhero celebration. That’s how it started, and we continued that ritual.

"Each time we watched a new movie, we would practice a goal celebration. But I only do them for home games, when the kids are here, near me, so we can share those moments. When I see them in the stands, that is when I do them."

Who knows what celebration will be next on Messi's list but, with Miami not playing at home until an August 30 clash with Nashville, he'll have time to catch up on a few more movies with the kids before deciding.

Messi is just getting started. This is a long-term project, after all. He'll be in Miami for a few years, perhaps the rest of his career, as he will be the face of American soccer and MLS going forward.

On the field, he's proven he's still not far off the peak of his powers, terrorizing MLS and Liga MX defenses since arriving. And there's no doubt that the off-field pull is still there as fans all over the country are lining up to see Messi play.

So, at this point, what motivates Messi? He's won everything there is to win, accomplished everything there is to accomplish. What else can there be?

Well, he could claim yet another Ballon d'Or this year, having led Argentina to that famous World Cup win. But, in Messi's own words, he doesn't really care.

"During my career, I've said this many times, [the Ballon d'Or] is a very important prize because it's a great recognition, one of the most important things, but I didn't give it that much importance, because the most important thing is the collective trophy. I have been lucky enough to get many trophies in my career, but the most important one was the World Cup.

"If I get it, perfect, but if not, then no problem, I have achieved many objectives and goals during my career, and now I have new ones with this club."

For Messi, Miami is a land of opportunity. It's a chance to build something of a normal life for his family, even though that'll never quite be possible. It's a chance to be just a little bit less famous than he's been since he was a teenager, to give his own kids a glimpse of something resembling real life.

On the flip side of that, though, it's a chance for Messi to redefine a sport in a country that is ready for soccer to be propelled into a new era. It's been a long-time since Pele arrived with the New York Cosmos, and much has changes since. Hell, plenty has changed since Beckham himself showed up two decades ago, altering the trajectory of American soccer forever.

At the end of this, whenever that is, there will be a pre-Messi and a post-Messi era of American soccer but, once again, Messi isn't too worried about that. He's just going to do what he's always done in the ways he's always done it. The result will, ultimately, speak for itself.

"My decision took many factors," he said. "We thought it over with my wife and sons. I don't think much about [changing American soccer], I'm just here to continue to play and enjoy football which I have loved all my life, and I chose this place for that.

"And I can tell you today I am very happy with the decision we made, not only from a sporting perspective, but for how my family lives every day."

One month down, many more to go. Messi has been welcomed to Miami with open arms and he has accepted the warm embrace; let's see what he does next.