His journey is complete. Inter Miami's wait is finally over.
Lionel Messi walked out from behind a curtain, took a few steps along a rain-slicked runaway set up over the field at Inter Miami's stadium and headed towards David Beckham for a big hug.
Inter Miami — after years of plotting, pleading and hoping — introduced arguably the game's biggest star on Sunday night, presenting their new franchise player with his pink No. 10 jersey that millions of people will be buying over the coming weeks and months.
"I'm sure we're going to have many wonderful experiences,” Messi told the crowd.
Sunday was the first one. Almost every seat was filled despite horrible weather conditions that delayed the show, and nobody seemed to mind soaking rain that pounded down throughout the evening.
“I'm very much moved to be here in Miami, to be with you,” Messi said. “I want to thank you, all of you, on behalf of my family, for the kindness that you have given me.”