The iconic Argentine, who recently arrived in Fort Lauderdale after a vacation in the Caribbean with his family, is set to embark on a new chapter in Major League Soccer (MLS) following his illustrious career in Europe with Barcelona and PSG.

In anticipation of Messi’s unveiling, Inter Miami has planned an official welcoming ceremony on July 16 at DRV PNK Stadium. The event promises to be a grand spectacle featuring performances from renowned entertainers, with reports suggesting that pop superstar Shakira and rapper Bad Bunny are being lined up to perform.

To accommodate the expected surge in attendance, the club’s owners have taken measures to increase the seating capacity by adding bleachers to the corners of the stadium. This addition will allow approximately 3,000 more fans to witness the historic moment.

Goalkeeper Nick Marsman, however, has expressed concerns about the temporary nature of the stadium and its ability to handle the influx of fans drawn by Messi’s star power. Marsman revealed worries about the lack of infrastructure, such as gates and proper security, as well as the potential for unauthorized access to the pitch. He believes that the club is not adequately prepared for Messi’s arrival.

In a resourceful move, NBC Miami reports that the new stands were sourced from an F1 facility at Hard Rock Stadium in nearby Miami Gardens. While Inter Miami has plans to eventually relocate to a state-of-the-art facility, the completion of this ambitious project is expected for the 2025 MLS season.

The frenzy surrounding Messi’s move to Inter Miami has reached a fever pitch nationwide, sparking what has been dubbed “Messi Mania.” The announcement of his transfer decision, which snubbed a return to Barcelona and the lucrative Saudi Pro League, has captivated fans across the country. Tickets to see Messi in action for his new team sold out within a day of the announcement, and resale prices on platforms like StubHub have soared to as high as $20,000 (£16,000).

The highly anticipated debut of Messi, along with fellow incoming superstar Sergio Busquets, is expected to take place later this month in a Leagues Cup clash against Mexican club Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium.