Lionel Messi's first words at Inter Miami as shirt number and first game confirmed

The move to Miami has been in the pipeline for some time (Image: Instagram/intermiamicf)

Lionel Messi has expressed his excitement at joining David Beckham's Inter Miami having finally been unveiled by the MLS side.

The Argentinian forward has inked a two-year deal with Inter Miami who are currently the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Messi will also reportedly have an option for a third year in his contract too.

After leaving Paris Saint Germain at the end of last season, the 36-year-old had been linked to a return to Barcelona or a move to Saudi Arabia. However, the World Cup winning captain has now opted to move stateside to join Inter Miami.

And speaking following the announcement of his arrival in Miami, the ex-Barcelona star, who will wear the No10 shirt, has revealed he can't wait to get the next chapter of his career started.

"I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States," said Messi. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I'm very eager to start helping here in my new home."

Messi will first be available for selection for Inter Miami when they take on LIGA MX side, Cruz Azul in the July 21 opening match of Leagues Cup.

Football officials in America will hope the arrival of Messi will emphatically increase the popularity of MLS, as well as attract a host of new viewers to the league itself.

Sí, Muchachos📍 pic.twitter.com/8E3f9hb9VU

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 15, 2023

Come 2026, the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, will be hosting the next men's FIFA World Cup, meaning Messi's Miami move could play a major impact in making football as popular at the NFL or NBA.

Messi will also be joined in Miami by his former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, with both Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta also linked with a move to the MLS side.

Messi will wear the number 10 for Inter Miami (Image: Twitter/@InterMiamiCF)

And Messi's move has also been welcomed warmly by Beckham, who called the announcement of his signing a "dream".

"10 years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city," said Beckham.

"Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community."