Inter Miami fans will be begging for the early arrival of Lionel Messi after they were thrashed 3-1 by New England Revolution on Saturday night.
In the first league game played by the team since the announcement of Messi’s impending transfer, Miami were – again – dreadful, and the result leaves them rock bottom of MLS’ Eastern Conference.
Former Aston Villa star Carles Gil gave the home side the lead in the first half, before Matt Polster and Bobby Wood added the second-half gloss to ease New England to victory over their struggling opponents.
Josef Martinez did manage to pull a goal back for the away side with a late penalty, but it did nothing to change the final result.
And that result was a sixth straight league defeat for Inter Miami, who are now three points adrift of their nearest rivals in the East.
It was Messi fever even though Inter Miami were away from home on Saturday night, with kids pictured playing soccer in Argentina and Barcelona shirts in the parking lot.
Matt Polster (center) celebrates after putting New England Revolution 2-0 up against Miami
Miami have now lost six straight games in MLS – and are desperate for Lionel Messi’s arrival
Messi is currently in China with his Argentina teammates – far away from his new club side
The news of his arrival was confirmed on Wednesday, with the Paris Saint-Germain star turning down a romantic return to Barcelona, and the mega-millions of Saudi Arabia, for a move to South Florida.
In the days after the move, Inter Miami became the most-followed sports team in American sports, moving ahead of every NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB team – as well as all their MLS soccer rivals.
On the pitch, though, the team need Messi’s arrival to have a similar impact, with the team struggling to pick up points.
Former boss Phil Neville was sacked last month, with his permanent successor yet to be announced by team owner David Beckham.
Unfortunately for Inter Miami fans, Messi is still contracted with Paris Saint-Germain until the end of June, and the Argentine World Cup winner is not expected to make his debut until at least the middle of July – and probably not until August in MLS.
Messi fever had hit MLS – even in Foxborough, Massachusetts – as fans wore Barcelona shirts
Another young fan is seen with a Messi Argentina shirt on for a soccer game in the parking lot
Messi confirmed his move to MLS in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, in which he said: ‘I’m not going back to Barça, I’m going to Inter Miami.’
Mail Sport understands that Messi, who won four Champions League titles with the Blaugrana and scored 672 goals in 778 games for the club, will be offered a lucrative contract with the MLS club, that could include new deals with adidas and Apple.
ESPN are also reporting that his deal with the American side includes an option that could see him become a part-owner of the football club and a slice of the subscriber revenues from Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
After 21 years at Spanish club Barcelona – winning 32 major titles – Messi moved to PSG in 21 on a marquee deal that would see him earn $44m-per-year.
The 35-year-old had been left ’emotionally destroyed’ by his departure from the LaLiga club, after it appeared the club could no longer afford to pay his wages, amid financial turmoil, which despite winning LaLiga this season, are still far from resolved.
Messi clinched the World Cup with Argentina, adding another piece of silverware to his career
On the news MLS also made a statement, speaking on their delight at Messi’s arrival
Messi (left) will soon join the MLS side that is owned by David Beckham (middle)
In response to the news, Barcelona have released a statement in which president Laporta wished Messi well at his new club.
It reads: ‘On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana.
‘President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
‘Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.’
