Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo’s trip to Publix was STAGED, says Alexi Lalas, as the grocery store is a partner of Inter Miami
Alexi Lalas has suggested that Lionel Messi’s endearing shopping trip to Publix last week was actually organized by Inter Miami, and he “loved every second of it.”
Lalas is currently in Australia with FOX, covering the Women’s World Cup and Team USA’s bid for a historic third consecutive victory in the tournament.
But right now, no one can talk too much about soccer in the US without mentioning Messi, and Lalas had the chance to reflect on a historic week for Major League Soccer.
Messi was photographed last week shopping at Publix in the days before his move to Miami was officially confirmed, posing with fans for selfies as he and his wife Antonela stocked up on food. There were also his three sons, Mateo, Ciro and Thiago.
Lalas explained: “One of the things they did was, when I say ‘did’ it’s because it was absolutely orchestrated, Messi was in his new city and what do you do when you’re in a new city? You stock the fridge.
Alexi Lalas has suggested that Lionel Messi’s trip to Publix was staged, and if so, he loved it
Messi, his wife Antonela and their three children were photographed on a shopping trip last week.
“Guess who is attracting more attention, who can then generate more money, that you and future generations of soccer players can use? It’s Messi.”
Alexi Lalas on Messi’s impact in MLS and beyond ��
Hosted by @state farm #Good neighbor pic.twitter.com/pHJwdFucVv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 19, 2023
Lo and behold, it shows up in a Publix. For those who don’t know, Publix is a ubiquitous grocery store in that neck of the woods. Lo and behold, he is seen there with a cart full of things that he is going to store in his refrigerator.
‘It takes a couple of clicks to go to the Inter Miami website and see their corporate partners and wow! Amazing! Publix! There is!
Brilliant, by the way. I loved every orchestrated second. But this is part of the give and take and this is part of what Messi brings to this situation.
You better access that and use it every chance you get, rightly so. And done the right way, you can maximize Messi’s presence on and off the pitch.”
Lalas is right about Publix being tied to Miami – they are listed on the club’s website as members of the club.
The focus has been on soccer this week, with Messi joining his team for practice ahead of their debut on Friday against Cruz Azul in the League Cup.
Messi and Sergio Busquets are expected to play their first matches for their new Miami team, for whom the cup competition provides welcome relief from difficulties in the MLS Eastern Conference.
The team is last in the standings and 12 points out of the playoffs.
Now the focus is back on soccer and Messi has been training with his Miami teammates.
Messi will debut in Miami on Friday against Cruz Azul in the League Cup
Messi is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes on Friday: his last match was more than a month ago and he has since been taking a break in the time between his move to Miami.
While all eyes in Miami will be on DRV PNK Stadium, Lalas will cover the USWNT World Cup Opening Game in Auckland against Vietnam.
After Cruz Azul, Messi and Miami will return to action on July 25 against Atlanta -also in the League Cup-.
