Lionel Messi has confirmed he is ‘very excited’ ahead of his immiment move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
Messi’s move to the states will be confirmed once his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires and he was in action on Sunday night during a testimonial match for Juan Roman Riquelme in front of the Boca Juniors faithful at La Bombonera.
Riquelme retired from playing back in 2014 but only just received a testimonial date, while other Argentine heroes like Angel Di Maria and Lionel Scaloni featured.
The 2022 World Cup winner confirmed after the exhibition he will take a short break before relocating to the United States.
He told Argentinian Public Television: “It is a very nice feeling to have been able to be at [Riquelme’s] testimonial, with all that he means for football in Argentina, what he means to Boca, to be once again in La Bombonera.
“Now there will be a few days of vacation and then I will start in my new city, my new club, I am very excited.”
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— Boca Juniors (@BocaJrsOficial) June 26, 2023
Messi also recently competed in a farewell game for Maxi Rodriguez and was given a rapturous welcome in hometown Rosario.
42,000 fans were packed into Estadio Marcelo Bielsa to watch the action as MLS-bound Messi scored a stunning first half hat-trick. The 36-year-old netted a free-kick, lob and fine finish to complete a treble on his birthday at the home of boyhood side Newell’s Old Boys.
He added: “It had been a long time since I had spent a birthday in Rosario, with my family and my friends.
“Although what we did is something special (winning the World Cup) and unique, the dream of every footballer…you’re thinking about what’s to come, more than what you did.
“When it’s my turn to leave football, I’m going to remember and enjoy everything I’ve achieved much more.”
