‘I’m happy. I have friends who are not’: What Inter Miami lost with Messi

The Argentinian has delivered a trophy and massive attention for his new team. But some fans say the franchise has become impersonal since his arrival

When the news happened, I had to turn my phone off," says Mike Longin, a member of the Green Lot Gang Inter Miami supporters' group, of the moment Lionel Messi's signing was confirmed.

My friends, my family, even my pool guy, were all calling - Hey, Messi's coming. We're so excited for you.' It was an exciting day. But there was also from day one, OK, what does this mean?' We knew it wasn't going to be the same."