Lionel Messi, the Argentinian superstar widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, set foot on Jamaican soil for the first time on Wednesday as he arrived with his Inter Miami teammates ahead of their second-leg clash against Cavalier SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Messi’s arrival was met with great excitement, not only from football fans but also from government officials who see his presence as a significant boost for Jamaica’s tourism industry and global visibility. Among those who welcomed him at the Norman Manley International Airport were Minister of Sport, the Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Permanent Secretary Denzil Thorpe, and Deputy Director of Tourism Peter Mullings.

The anticipation surrounding Messi’s visit has been immense, especially since he did not feature in the first leg, which Inter Miami won 2-0 in Florida last week. His potential appearance at the National Stadium tonight has fueled further excitement, with a sellout crowd expected in Kingston, eager for the chance to witness the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action.

Inter Miami, led by Messi and a squad featuring stars like Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, will be looking to close out the tie against Cavalier SC, who will be banking on home advantage and a spirited performance to overturn the deficit.

Jamaica has long had an affinity for world-class football, and Messi’s presence marks a historic moment for the island. Regardless of whether he plays tonight, his visit alone has added a new chapter to the country’s football history and further cemented its place as a destination capable of attracting the sport’s biggest stars.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with thousands of fans hoping to witness the magic of Messi under the Kingston lights.