REVEALED: How Messi cost a cleaner HIS JOB at Inter Miami
Tom Hancock
- Updated: 5 Aug 2023 08:16 BST
- 3 min read
A man who lost his job after asking for Lionel Messi’s autograph has said that ‘it was worth every second’.
Cristian Salamanca, a cleaner at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium, spotted the MLS club’s superstar summer signing stepping off the team coach at a recent game.
And he couldn’t resist approaching the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for his signature (let’s be honest, who could?).
MORE: Inter Miami star reveals Messi's weakness
Salamanca succeeded in getting his Argentina shirt signed – but it didn’t exactly all work out for him, as he explained to La Nacion (via GOAL):
“I had to clean the bathrooms in the area where the buses park. Fortunately, I was out there when the bus arrived and all the players got out. The last one was Messi. It was [close] enough to yell at him, ‘Hey, world champion!’ that he turned to look.
“I lifted up my uniform shirt and I had the Argentina shirt underneath and a marker. He gave me his autograph. Security came right away; they took me out and fired me from my job – but it was worth every second.”
MORE: REVEALED | How Messi is officially ‘clear’ of Ronaldo
Doblete de MESSI 2️⃣#MIAvORL | 3-1 | 📺#MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/8ryNpYhBZK
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2023
Messi’s Barcelona reunion across the Atlantic
Messi made his long-awaited debut for Inter Miami late last month and has already scored five goals in three appearances for his new side.
The 36-year-old is enjoying something of a Barcelona reunion in Florida: he’s been joined by Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while the Herons’ head coach is former Barca boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Andres Iniesta has also been linked with a move to Miami, following the expiry of his contract with Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.
Next up for Messi and co. is a trip to FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup this Sunday (August 6).
