Inter Miami owner ‘confirms date for Lionel Messi’s debut’

• Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut on July 21 against Cruz Azul 
• Inter Miami’s owner has reportedly confirmed the match as Messi’s likely debut 
• The MLS side are braced for an extensive security operation for the star’s arrival 

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has reportedly confirmed the date of Lionel Messi’s first match for the club, as the Major League Soccer side prepares for his arrival.

Messi is finalising the final details ahead of joining Inter Miami following the expiry of his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

According to the Mirror, Inter Miami owner Mas has targeted a match against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 for Messi’s debut for the club.

Mas reportedly confirmed in a private meeting that Messi will turn out for the Inter Miami in the fixture.

The match at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale comes in the group stage of the Leagues Cup which features teams from MLS and Liga MX.

Tickets on resale websites had been advertised for as much as $20,000 amid the interest in Messi’s possible debut.

Mas had admitted earlier this month that Inter Miami would have to strengthen its security operation further to cope with the explosion of interest following Messi’s arrival.

Speaking to the Miami Herald, Mas said: ‘Security will obviously be enhanced. 

‘Players will be bussed in, going through a tunnel. All of those security protocols are already prepared both for here and away. And it’s not only for our games. 

‘It’s going to be an everyday occurrence and something we witnessed and I thought handled very well when (Messi) was here with Argentina before the World Cup. 

‘As you may recall, Argentina trained in Miami before they flew over to to Doha. 

 ‘We had an opportunity to see some of the Messi mania at our doors on an everyday basis during practice. So, we’re very prepared. We’ve been getting ready for this.’

Inter Miami has yet to release any sort of confirmation of Messi’s arrival as the 35-year-old is still technically under contract with PSG until July 1.

The Argentine superstar is still very much expected to complete his move to the US in the next few weeks. 

Security is expected to be increased upon Messi’s arrival with the World Cup winner having regularly been mobbed by pitch invaders during matches.

Inter Miami and MLS are expected to assist to help Messi’s security operation on a day-to-day basis.

A total of 3,000 seats are expected to be added to Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium by August.

The additional seats will increase the capacity of the venue to 22,000, as the club seeks to meet demand to watch Messi.