‘People act like he died or something’ – Fans react to Messi’s Inter Miami move

7 Jun 2023 17:55 BST
6 min read

Lionel Messi in front of a backdrop of Miami — © ProShots

Lionel Messi has finally decided his future: after leaving PSG as free agent, the seven-time Ballon d’or recipient will join Inter Miami.

There had been talk of Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain following Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League, while Barcelona were desperate to bring their greatest ever player back to the Camp Nou – having been unable to afford to keep him two years ago.

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But neither of those was to be; instead, Messi is Florida-bound to sign for the MLS outfit part-owned by David Beckham.

It marks an intriguing next chapter in the glittering career of the 35-year-old – who will become the biggest superstar ever to grace the top level of football Stateside.

Barca supporters seem disgruntled; Inter Miami fans are delighted; Cristiano Ronaldo aficionados have weighed in, too. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news that the little genius from Rosario is on his way to the USA…

READ: HERE WE GO! Fabrizio Romano confirms Messi to Inter Miami transfer

People act like Messi died or something. He's going to one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world, a league that has also pumped talent into Europe in increasing numbers. MLS is legit, and Miami is an exciting project. Folks need to calm the hell down.
— kevinwilliams (@kevvwill) June 7, 2023

Messi will become the greatest sportsman to play on American soil since Michael Jordan.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) June 7, 2023

Lionel Messi’s career basically concluded when he lifted that World Cup in Qatar. Everything that’s happening after is a bonus.
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) June 7, 2023

FC Barcelona will always be Leo Messi's home. 💙❤️

The greatest of all time.🐐 pic.twitter.com/SRXXR7W7lY
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) June 7, 2023

I'm going to get to watch Messi play live in person pic.twitter.com/Ee24Q8NHZm
— Brian (@Bri_an2) June 7, 2023

It shouldn't have ended like that, but thanks for all the memories Messi. Greatest of all time. pic.twitter.com/XiL2H0oBop
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 7, 2023

The crowd last time Leo Messi was on vacation in Miami 😳

(via @TNTSportsAR)pic.twitter.com/S32607LTCu
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 7, 2023

So if Messi wins the Ballon d’or, he will be the first to win the Ballon d’or with 3 different teams? pic.twitter.com/T8OcZ3s1gp
— Abja🇯🇲 (@AbjaFCB) June 7, 2023

Lionel Messi fans really made fun of Cristiano Ronaldo for going to Saudi only for Messi to end up in a worse place. 😂 pic.twitter.com/UTuDccZF4F
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) June 7, 2023

Inter Miami IG Followers at 1.3M now.

Watch it grow to more than 30M when they officially announce Lionel Messi.

That Lionel Messi juice.. pic.twitter.com/v0VZNmj5Uo
— 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒 (@ChaaliiyKay) June 7, 2023