03 August 2023 , 18:02
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Major League Baseball icon Derek Jeter was the latest A-List celebrity to rock up to the DRV PNK Stadium to watch Inter Miami's new attraction - Lionel Messi - proving the Argentine's influence is larger than ever.
The MLB Hall-of-Famer was one in a long line of household names who have rocked up at DRV PNK Stadium following the World Cup winner's arrival in Florida this summer. Sporting royalty LeBron James and Serena Williams were pitch-side as the 36-year-old crowned his debut with a memorable injury-time winner last month.
The presence of reality TV megastar Kim Kardashian at the Leagues Cup clash with Cruz Azul alongside her son Saint West also showed the iconic forward's unique draw. On top of this, the appearance of hip hop star DJ Khaled at Messi's second game for the Herons versus Atlanta United was also a family affair, with his son serving as a mascot for the clash.
Likewise, it appears that the New York Yankees legend Jeter was left impressed with the Vice City talisman after he notched two goals in his latest outing for his new club in a 3-1 win over Orlando City. The former shortstop was attending his first ever soccer game and made the trip to Fort Lauderdale ground on the invitation of club co-owner David Beckham.
Speaking to Apple TV as part of their coverage of Inter Miami's League Cup match versus their Floridan rivals, he explained how this came about. He said: "I was invited by David (Beckham) and Jorge Mas, I don't have a deep relationship with David but I've been watching what he's been doing from afar."
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The 14-time All-Star is now a resident in Miami and spoke of his pride at the MLS franchise being able to boast a player of Messi's elite talent, saying: "I think everyone is obviously excited with Messi here, he's arguably one of the greatest players to ever play. He's the talk of the town.
"I'm just looking forward to getting the chance to watch him play. When you play professional sports, you're a fan of all sports. You have respect and admiration for them."
Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and LeBron James were in awe as Lionel Messi made his Inter Miami debutThe five-time World Series winner was not the only recognisable face in the crowd as Messi clocked up his third appearance in the club's pale pink colours. Rapper Rick Ross followed in the footsteps of the likes of music heavyweights P Diddy, Camilla Cabello and Giggs in seeing the Barcelona hero in action in the flesh in Miami.
Like Jeter, Wednesday's game was Ross' first ever time watching a professional soccer game but it was clear in his interview with Apple TV prior to kick-off that he was relishing the experience. He said: "This is my first football game ever. Lionel Messi has changed the entire energy of the state. I am here to have fun.
"To support the city and to support David Beckham and to let Messi know that he is welcome in Miami. This is different. Everyone in Miami, I suggest you come out and catch one of these games, it's a movement."