Messi 'anxious' for Inter Miami debut

WASHINGTON, July 16 (Xinhua)

Lionel Messi has insisted that he remains hungry for success on the pitch as he begins his spell at Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

The 36-year-old was officially unveiled to thousands of fans at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday night.

"I'm very moved to be here in Miami," Messi told the crowd.

"I want to thank you for the kindness and love that you have given me. This has happened so fast."

Messi arrived in the United States last week after agreeing to an Inter Miami contract that runs until December 2025 with the option of another season.

He will reportedly earn an annual salary of around 55 million U.S. dollars before tax. The Argentina captain is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in a Leagues Cup match against Mexico's Cruz Azul on Friday.

"I'm anxious to train and compete. Our objective is to be here and win. I'm sure we're going to have a wonderful experience," he said. In June, Messi announced he was leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join the Florida outfit, which is partly owned by former England captain David Beckham.

The forward has since said that he is looking forward to enjoying the last stage of his career, having achieved his ultimate goal of winning the FIFA World Cup for Argentina in Qatar last December.