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Lionel Messi returned in a 2-1 loss to present the 8th Ballon d’Or as Inter Miami suffers a loss to New York City.
In a special ceremony held at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday night, Inter Miami CF honored team captain Lionel Messi for winning his record-tying eighth Ballon d'Or.
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17:30 - 27.10.2023
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After the celebrations, the hosts played a friendly match against New York City FC to end 2023, although they lost 1-2.
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08:05 - 22.10.2023
No Messi for 4 months as Inter Miami ends MLS season with loss to Charlotte
Messi will not play for 4 months after Inter Miami's final game of the season ends in a loss to Charlotte.
After addressing the fans at DRV PNK Stadium and walking down a gold carpet, Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber introduced Messi as an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner at the opening ceremony of the evening on the field.
Messi on Inter Miami and Ballon d'Or
The supporters chanted Messi's name as he delivered his historic trophy to the crowd and thanked them for their support.
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He then looked ahead to 2024 as gold fireworks rang in the background.
He said, “I’ve only been here a little while but it really feels like I’ve been here a long time.
"I want to thank all the people of Miami, not only the ones here at the stadium, but in the city in general, for the way you have treated not only me, but also my family these last few months.
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"You’ve shown me a lot of love and made me feel at home.
“I had no doubt that we were going to have a good time, that we were going to enjoy it.
"Today I have no doubt, as I didn't at the beginning, and much less now, that next year is going to be a lot better.
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"We are going to continue enjoying, we are going to continue winning titles and I hope you accompany us as you accompanied us all these months that I’ve been here.”
With the Concacaf Champions Cup serving as the team's first taste of continental action, Inter Miami will now focus on 2024 as it enters the offseason.
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