Messi’s introduction as Inter Miami player, how to get tickets

After international soccer star Lionel Messi told the world he wanted to continue his career playing with the MLS in South Florida a little more than a month ago, the world has been waiting.

After a couple weeks, Inter Miami CF announced they were targeting July 21 for Messi’s first match with the team. Still, waiting.

It looks like maybe the wait is ending.

Inter Miami season-ticket holders were invited this week to sign up for free tickets to an event called “The Unveil,” which appears to be a very thinly veiled reference to the team’s official introduction of Messi, as well as Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who signed with Inter Miami a few weeks ago. It could also include the rumored-but-not-confirmed addition of Jordi Alba, another former Barcelona star.

The event, which includes live entertainment and speeches, is scheduled for Sunday evening at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. It has not been opened to the general public, although it might be later. Right now, the only way to be there for the welcoming of Argentina’s favorite son is to buy an Inter Miami season ticket.

There were media reports of Messi arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Ticketmaster still had many seats available for the July 21 Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul match, a League’s Cup game at DRV PNK Stadium that should include the debuts of Messi, Busquets and possibly Alba. Tickets started at $200 and went up to $650 for the match, although some were trying to resell tickets on the site for up to $10,000 each.