Congrats! That was a really strong statement from the Miami Heat.
Jimmy Butler, a top player for the Miami Heat, expressed his excitement over Lionel Messi’s potential impact on the city after learning that the Argentine World Cup winner will be joining Inter Miami CF of Major League Soccer.
Messi, 35, declared on Wednesday that he would like to join Inter Miami when his deal with Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning French champions, ends at the end of this month.
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Within the soccer community and beyond, word has already spread that one of the best and most decorated players in history would be visiting South Beach.
During a media conference on Thursday, Butler—the captain of the Heat, who are presently playing the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals—was asked what effect he believed Messi may have on American soccer.
“Very good,” he remarked. He is undoubtedly among the best players to ever play that exquisite game. Being able to have a guy of that caliber here in Miami excites me much. I’m looking forward to Miami in a lot of ways.methods.
“It goes without saying that we are in the Finals and have the chance to do something exceptional. I believe that now that he is here, all of the football and soccer lovers from around the globe will come see him play. I’m happy he came.”
In addition to the Heat, the city is home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, MLB’s Miami Marlins, and NHL’s Florida Panthers. Messi’s arrival is expected to raise Inter Miami’s prominence.
Among the current sports elite in the city, Butler was by no means the only one to greet Messi with open arms.
“Leonard Messi, let me just say welcome to the 305. Tyreek Hill, the number 10 wide receiver for the Dolphins, made a joke in a video message on Wednesday. “Now that we’ve got two number 10s, I just want to know which one is the fastest.” “But anyways, congrats to you man.”
Before Friday’s Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Heat trail the Nuggets 2-1, and Messi still needs to tie upButler naturally stated he would take his time before attempting to get up with the former Barcelona icon in order to wrap up the details of his transfer to Inter Miami.
“I wouldn’t say that I know him enough, but I have met him before,” remarked Butler. Will I make contact? Most likely not. I am aware that he probably has a lot going on in any case.
“He is visiting this city to carry out a unique task. I refuse to make contact. But at least I’m glad he’s here. I am, truly. I’m sure we’ll click whenever he visits.”