Sunday, July 16 was a memorable day in Inter Miami's history. After agreeing a deal for Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players to have graced the beautiful game, the USA top-flight side unveiled the Argentine icon at a sold-out DRV PNK Stadium for their devoted supporters over the weekend.
Additionally, the Herons officially signed Sergio Busquets, the iconic former Barcelona midfielder who left Camp Nou over the summer, thus making it a day of celebration for David Beckham's side.
Lionel Messi OFFICIALLY unveiled as an Inter Miami player pic.twitter.com/x4neut9PMQ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 17, 2023
However, the unveiling of Busquets unfortunately sparked a horrible blunder from not Inter Miami, but the league instead. The MLS took to social media to welcome the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner but were left totally embarrassed after posting a picture of the wrong player.
The intent was brilliant. The league's official Twitter account posted a picture of the Spaniard kissing the World Cup trophy in South Africa while listing his achievements. Sadly, it wasn't a picture of Busquets as the MLS posted former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa instead.
MLS welcoming Sergio Busquets to their league with a photo of Alvaro Arbeloa winning the 2010 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/IQK0PzhZcz
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) July 16, 2023
The official MLS page posted Arbeloa instead of Sergio Busquets pic.twitter.com/kkOmHrClAj
— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) July 16, 2023
MLS announced the arrival of Sergio Busquets with a picture of Álvaro Arbeloa on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/rF19vV66zJ
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) July 17, 2023
Sergio Busquets signed for Inter Miami yesterday.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) July 17, 2023
The official MLS Twitter page welcomed him to the league with a picture of Alvaro Arbeloa by mistake. pic.twitter.com/5gxa3TC0hU
This did not go unnoticed. In fact, even the USA top flight did not hide their error, joking about their mistake after correcting the slip-up with the real image of Busquets holding up the World Cup. To be fair to whoever was at fault, Sergio and Alvaro do share similarities.
why do arbeloa and busquets look so similar in these. admin needs new glasses… pic.twitter.com/dxRmOvdMaI
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2023
The two Blaugrana legends have both signed for Inter Miami until 2025. Tata Martino's men are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference and will need their two signings immediately.
While their debuts haven't been officially confirmed, co-owner Jorge Mas informed the Miami Herald and Axios that Messi's first game could come in the Leagues Cup showdown with Cruz Azul on July 21. This tie will take place at the DRV PNK Stadium, which is an extra boost, as Leo will get to play in front of his new fans. Supporters can catch this tie live on TV on Univision USA and TUDN USA. Fans of streaming can tune in to the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Univision NOW, the TUDN App, TUDN.com, and ViX. If you live in another country and are looking for geolocalized broadcast listings, click here.