St. Louis City implemented a ban on all things Lionel Messi for their clash with Inter Miami after the World Cup champion was officially announced as a Major League Soccer player.
On Saturday, Inter Miami released a video in which Messi could be seen wearing the club’s pink shirt with the number 10 emblazoned on the back as he was officially announced on a blockbuster new contract. The 36-year-old reportedly signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the MLS franchise.
The announcement came ahead of the game between David Beckham’s franchise and St. Louis, who lead the Western Conference while the Herons are bottom of the Eastern Conference. City secured a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Samuel Adeniran, Tim Parker, and Eduard Lowen – and some special rules were in place at CITYPARK.
In an attempt to avoid any issues in the North End section which is traditionally reserved for home fans, St. Louis City issued a statement declaring no Messi jerseys past or present would be allowed into the stadium. St. Louis City specifically named his ex clubs as well as the Argentine national team.
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“NOTE: Opposing team gear is not allowed in the Supporter Section,” the statement read. “It’s for CITY fans!
“For the July 15 match, this includes all Messi jerseys, shirts and gear – Miami, Argentina, Barcelona, Paris-Saint Germain, Newell’s Old Boys and Grandioli.”
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CITYPARK has become one of the best venues and most vibrant atmospheres to watch MLS action. CITY averages 22,423 fans per game, often selling out during their maiden season as a professional team in 2023 – but visiting fans were not allowed to celebrate the arrival of Messi.
Messi completed a sensational move to the United States as he chose to play for Beckham ’s Florida club over a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, with the move being confirmed on Saturday. As part of his contract, Messi will reportedly receive a compensation package that includes part of Apple TV’s revenue generated by MLS Season Pass as well as a share of Adidas profits from his arrival.
Messi will be officially unveiled before fans alongside fellow new signing Sergio Busquets at Miami’s DRV PNL Stadium on July 16. The pair know each other well from their time together at Barcelona , and both men could make their debut against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21.
Messi will link up with his former Argentina and Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino after he replaced Phil Neville as Inter Miami head coach. The pair will work together to take Miami off the foot of the table and into playoff contention, with the club sitting 11 points adrift of the final play-in spot.
Meanwhile, St. Louis City started the season on fire with five successive wins but their form has cooled recently. Following the win over Inter Miami, City are 12-8-2 and sit four points atop the Western Conference.
