Enhanced security, new bleachers, swarms of media among Inter Miami’s changes as Messi debut draws closer
FORT LAUDERDALE — Drake Callender has been a goalkeeper with Inter Miami CF since the club started play as a Major League Soccer expansion team in 2020.
Take it from him, there has never been this much buzz surrounding the team. Maybe any MLS team.
On Wednesday, there was a swarm of reporters from across the globe speaking with Callender and forward Josef Martinez and observing the last 15 minutes of practice. It was impossible to count how many reporters showed up.
The reason for the buzz wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
International superstar Lionel Messi, who is joining the team this week, was not around during the practice portion open to the media. However, there were reports he was at the facility in the morning.
Messi officially arrived in Florida on Tuesday, and the grounds between DRV PNK Stadium and Florida Blue Training Center across the street already look different than they did a week ago.
Security is tight, with handfuls of guards stationed around the area. The training center parking lot was blocked off to the general public, when previously anybody could drive right in. Security searched everybody’s bags and pockets and gave them wristbands when entering. That was new, too.
At 8 a.m., there were national TV reporters filming live shots in the west parking lot of the stadium. Everyone was sequestered there, and security wouldn’t even permit a lap around the outside of the stadium to check out the newly installed bleachers until hours later.
That’s the new reality for Inter Miami, a club that hasn’t won a game since May 13.
“It’s amazing,” Callender said after practice. “I’ve seen the growth of this club from year one and to be a part of that, I’m super grateful for. And going on four years here, it’s great to see new players come to the team, helping expand and raise the level of play.”
Just one week ago in between Inter Miami’s matches against Austin and Columbus, there were only two reporters in attendance — and another on the phone — for media availability and a 15-minute open practice window.
“It’s a big change,” said Martinez, a forward who is tied for ninth in MLS career goals. “I don’t know what to say, but we have to go through with that. I know it’s a lot of change — not for the club, but for the city too — so it’s important for everyone.”
It was me and one other reporter here two weeks ago. Now this. #InterMiamiCF #Messi???? pic.twitter.com/qbkZPSw4PL
— Sam Sklar (@sklarsam_) July 12, 2023
A Telemundo helicopter was reportedly in the sky Tuesday, searching for signs of Messi, who arrived at nearby Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Fans tried to catch a glimpse of the Argentine soccer icon around the stadium, before the tighter security kicked in. TV news reporters camped out, also watching and waiting.
All of this, while Inter Miami is still in the middle of the week and preparing for a Saturday match at St. Louis, which is first in the Western Conference with 38 points.
“I think we are all professionals,” Callender said. “It’s midweek. We have a game this weekend. It’s a critical part of the season, so we’re all focused on the weekend.
“But again, with all of this, it’s something that is a reality to us. And the best that we can do is just focus on our training and get ready for the game.”
Plus, Miami made a coaching swap on Monday, with Gerardo “Tata” Martino officially taking over for interim coach Javier Morales.
The team is hosting “The Unveil” Sunday night at DRV PNK Stadium, which is expected to be the introductions of Messi and his former teammate Sergio Busquets, although it has not been opened to the public. Then, Miami is holding a “major press conference” on Monday, followed by a “major training session” on Tuesday.
Messi and Busquets are expected to make their debuts July 21 in a Leagues Cup match versus Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium. But that’s more than a week away.
“Just staying focused on what we’re in control of,” Callender said of their task at hand, “which is how hard we work, our effort, team morale, training, all that stuff is really important. If anything, it’s more exciting.”
Marsman back after spider bite
Although Messi wasn’t present at training, Nick Marsman returned to the team.
The goalkeeper was sidelined for nearly a month when a family visit to a zoo went wrong and a spider bite sent him to the hospital.
“The goalkeeper union is really, really tight here,” Callender said. “You never know what can happen throughout the year, so to have everyone back and to help out during training and to work hard, to see him healthy is really important because we’re gonna need everybody this year.”
Marsman, 32, is a backup who has yet to appear in a game this season. He started 22 games for Miami in 2021 and seven more last season.