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As the Argentine football icon joins the league at the midpoint of the season, Lowry and Butler expressed their enthusiasm for Messi's arrival and the positive impact it will have on soccer in Miami.
The news of Lionel Messi's highly-anticipated move to Inter Miami in the MLS has sparked excitement among Miami Heat stars Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler.
As the Argentine football icon joins the league at the midpoint of the season, Lowry and Butler expressed their enthusiasm for Messi's arrival and the positive impact it will have on soccer in Miami.
During a press conference ahead of the Miami Heat's NBA Finals Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, Lowry couldn't contain his excitement about Messi's impending arrival.
As a fan of the legendary player, Lowry highlighted the significance of Messi's presence in the MLS and the potential benefits for the league.
"Man, he's getting a lot of money. It's going to be awesome,” said Lowry
“I'm a Messi fan. MLS is a great league. I think they understand how to put the product out there," he added, acknowledging the financial and promotional impact Messi's signing will bring to the MLS.
"Bringing one of the world's greatest football players out there, bringing him here, is going to be awesome. He's going to bring a different fan base. He's going to get some more revenue going.”
“It's going to be a great atmosphere when they get that stadium built. The fans are going to enjoy it. I think it's great for soccer in America, especially down here in Miami," he remarked.
Jimmy Butler, Lowry's teammate on the Miami Heat, shared in the excitement surrounding Messi's move to Inter Miami.
Recognizing Messi's status as one of the greatest players in the sport, Butler expressed his anticipation for the impact Messi will have on the city of Miami.
"He's one of the greatest players to play that beautiful game. I'm so excited for the city of Miami to be able to have a player of that caliber here," said Butler.
“Now that he's here, I think all the football/soccer fans from all over the world are going to come here and get an opportunity to watch him compete.”
Messi's arrival in Miami promises to elevate the profile of soccer in the city and attract a diverse and passionate fan base.
Following his departure from Paris St-Germain, the French champions, Messi had a plethora of options at his disposal.
However, the 35-year-old maestro turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in favour of joining Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
While a return to Barcelona was among Messi's desires this summer, Financial Fair Play limitations imposed by La Liga for the upcoming season rendered any ambitious plans unfeasible.
Despite winning Ligue 1 in both of his seasons at Paris St-Germain, Messi's time in France was not deemed a resounding success, as the club exited the Champions League in the last 16 stage.
Throughout his tenure, he contributed 32 goals and 16 assists in 75 games in Ligue 1, concluding the most recent season with an impressive record of 16 goals and 16 assists.
Messi’s legacy is rooted in his remarkable achievements with Barcelona, including his record-breaking 672 goals and numerous domestic and international titles, his triumph in the World Cup with Argentina in December further solidified his iconic status.
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