Lionel Messi will play for some time in Inter Miami’s friendly against New York City FC. The Argentine will be there for the game with the Ballon d’Or set to be paraded in Florida. Lionel Messi became the first player in MLS to win the coveted trophy.
“Of course, (Leo) will play because he is the star of this match. We want to be with him to celebrate his Ballon d’Or. “ head coach Tata Martino said in the pre-match conference.
Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time in 2023. On Friday, a match against NYCFC will bring the 2023 season to a finale in front of home fans at DRV PNK Stadium.
“It is an opportunity to return to competition, even though it’s a friendly. So people can see Leo and his teammates on the field one more time and bid farewell to this season,” he added.
A procession for the prized trophy and winner has been organised in an effort to recognise that success. The squad has organised numerous themes around the number 8, which represents Messi’s record amount of Ballon d’Or triumphs.
According to the Times of India, Inter Miami appropriately dubbed the event “celebr8,” referring to Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or victories. Fans will also be able to purchase a special drink for $8.88. In honour of the coveted gold trophy, the festivities will also include gold fireworks and a golden carpet entry.
Inter Miami was scheduled to play two games in China this month, but those arrangements have been scrapped. Instead, the 2023 season will begin and end in the club’s own backyard. Messi earned a historic Leagues Cup victory in his debut season, while also assisting his new club reach the U.S. Open Cup final.