18th August 2023 Mumbai: The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has made an immediate impact in the United States following his stunning move to Florida as a free agent.
Messi has registered nine goals through six appearances in the inaugural Leagues Cup, with the Argentine icon getting plenty of opportunity to celebrate in front of friends and family. His sons Ciro, Mateo and Thiago have played a leading role in his exploits to date, with the Messi family making the most of the summer vacation in America as they take in a number of blockbuster movies.
Explaining his celebrations
“My three sons are still on vacation, have not started school yet, so every night we watch Marvel superhero movies. They came up with the idea and asked that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a Marvel superhero celebration.
That’s how it started, and we continued that ritual. Each time we watched a new movie, we would practice a goal celebration. But I only do them for home games, when the kids are here, near me, so we can share those moments. When I see them in the stands, that is when I do them.”
Marvel Celebration
Messi’s first Marvel celebration came against Atlanta United when – instead of delivering a “hold my beer” gesture towards Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham – he stretched his arm out as Thor does when beckoning his hammer.
The 36-year-old forward then crossed his arms over his chest as Black Panther does when finding the target in a meeting with Orlando City, before shooting webs from his wrist in Spider-Man style versus Charlotte FC.
Adapting to new surroundings
36-year-old said he’s still adapting to his new surroundings. His family is in a temporary place in South Florida while they search for a permanent home. His three sons will start school soon.
He’s still gettingg used to ‘hot and humid’ Florida, but overall, the transition has been ‘much easier than expected’ compared to his move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, where he played the past two years. “Me going to Paris was neither planned nor desired,” Messi said. “I did not want to leave Barcelona, and it became difficult. But it is the opposite of what is happening to me now, thanks to God.”
Since Messi’s announcement, Inter Miami hired former Barcelona and Argentina national team coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and signed former Barcelona captain Serio Busquets and veteran defender Jordi Alba. The club’s rise since has been meteoric.
ASC Priya