Lionel Messi makes InterMiami debut big party — in Fort Lauderdale

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It literally rained on their parade Sunday when InterMiami owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham — and a few thousand fans — officially and publicly welcomed international soccer star Lionel Messi to the team. It’s good to know they could brave the fat raindrops that became streaks on their suit coats.

Number 10 came out on the field at the old Lockhart Stadium to the Lil’ Baby and Tears for Fears ” remake The World Is Yours to Take. Now, isn’t that just a perfect soundtrack for this group?

Of course, Ladra is excited. Even though the Argentine futbol god has driven ticket prices up — as high as $4,000 on Stubhub — having Messi in Miami is going to put this team on the map.

Or, rather, having him in Fort Lauderdale. Because that’s where the party was Sunday. That’s where Messi will debut on the field Friday. That’s where the InterMiami play while Mas and company build the stadium — and office buildings, and restaurants, and stores, and walkways — he promised for the Miami Freedom Park. The city leased the team the 135+ acres that is now the Melreese Golf Course, the only publicy owned golf course in Miami. But what’s the soonest we can expect InterMiami to play there?

And could there be a battle to keep the team in Fort Lauderdale?

Mas has said that he expects to open Miami Freedom Park in summer or early fall of 2025. Ladra is taking bets. Nothing opens before 2027. And meanwhile, fans are growing fond of the current 19,000-seat stadium, where the club invested at least $155 million bringing it up to snuff.

After all, that’s where we welcomed Lionel Messi with a big party.