Lionel Messi ‘The Unveil’ – all you need to know: Where can I watch? When is it?

It was the worst kept secret in Major League Soccer, but Lionel Messi was finally announced by Inter Miami as one of their own on Saturday.

The World Cup winner inked a deal for two-and-a-half years with a player option for 2026 in a complicated deal.

Miami will be rolling out the red carpet – or pink carpet, if you will – for a player widely seen as the greatest of all time and as MLS’s greatest transfer ever.

While there’s a tall task ahead of Messi as Miami attempt to climb back into the playoff conversation, there will be a celebration of his arrival with a ceremony on Sunday.

This event will be broadcast live around the world, and MailSport can reveal how you can tune in.

After a long wait, Lionel Messi was officially announced as an Inter Miami player on Saturday

Messi joins after his contract expired at Paris Saint-Germain in France this season

Inter Miami will be presenting Messi during a special event on Sunday July 16 

Where can I watch?

Inter Miami will carry what they’re calling an ‘historic night’ for free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Portions of this event will also be streamed for free on the club’s Twitter account, as well as their YouTube and Twitch channels.

MLS’s Facebook account will also carry a stream, as will InterMiamiCF.com and MLSsoccer.com. 

Apple TV has been promoting Messi’s arrival, posting billboards with a pink colored goat. 

Apple TV will carry Messi’s unveiling after promoting his arrival for weeks

When is it? 

The event will officially start on Sunday, July 16 at 6:00pm Eastern time.

This appears to be a change in time from when it was originally planned. That means it will no longer conflict with the Gold Cup Final between Panama and Mexico. 

The event has been moved back to 6:00pm Eastern time, avoiding a Gold Cup Final clash

Where will it take place?

This event will be taking place live from DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DRV PNK will be the home stadium for Messi for the next few years, until the team moves to a planned venue located in downtown Miami.

Messi will be revealed to the fanbase at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale

Will Messi be speaking at the event?

Yes, Messi is planned to give what the club calls an ‘inspiring’ speech at his own unveiling.

He’ll be ingratiating himself with his new club by speaking to fans that have been anticipating his arrival for over a month.

Messi is set to speak at his unveiling, delivering what the club is calling an ‘inspiring’ speech

Is there going to be any other entertainment to watch? 

Not only will Messi be officially unveiled as an Inter player, but those watching and in attendance will see musical performances as well.

World-renowned Latin artists Ozuna and Camilo will be performing.

The audience will also be part of a ‘one-of-a-kind celebration hosted by international party collective BRESH, including performances by Argentine performers Paulo Londra and Tiago PZK.’

Latin music artists Ozuna (L) and Camilo (R) will be performing live for the crowd

Will Messi be the only signing announced?

It’s not confirmed, but the event may possibly also bring forth the unveiling of Sergio Busquets as an Inter Miami player as well.

The former Barcelona man will be re-united with Messi in Miami this season.

It’s possible that Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets could be unveiled too

Will David Beckham be in attendance? 

Yes, the club co-owner is going to be in attendance and is set to make a speech.

Beckham got the right to own an MLS team written into his contract when he joined the LA Galaxy back in 2007.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham will be attending and speaking at the event