Not Lionel Messi’s American Dream, America’s Messi dream
Lionel Messi would not feature in Inter Miami’s next fixture, against Philadelphia Union on June 24. His contract with PSG ends only a week later, and he is expected to make his Major League Soccer debut later next month. But MLS has been buzzing in anticipation in what is dubbed as the league’s biggest moment since Pele descended in New York and changed the game in the country forever, four-and-half decades ago.
Even before Messi has worn the Inter Miami shirt, the delirium has soared into the pristine skies of the Sunshine State. The tickets for Miami’s games have been sold out, despite a spike of 1000 percent for certain games. The cheapest for Inter’s Leagues Cup encounter against Mexico City’s Cruz Azul on July 21, assumed to be his first match with the club, leapt from $29 to $45...