Newly surfaced pictures show Lionel Messi and his family shopping in good spirits at the Publix supermarket chain in Florida. The images have caused a frenzy on social media, with fans reacting in various ways.
Among the observations made by eagle-eyed fans, some noticed ankle bracelets worn by Messi‘s wife and children. The bracelets, resembling ribbons, were prominently visible on the left legs of Antonela Roccuzzo (Messi’s wife) and their children.
What’s that on their ankles?🙄
— Ella🍓 (@_Gabri3llaa) July 15, 2023
Fans were amused by the ankle bracelets worn by Lionel Messi’s family, and various predictions and interpretations were shared. Some suggested they could be trackers, others viewed them as a fashion statement, and some related them to the Florida Man meme.
However, the reality behind the bracelets is quite simple—they are good luck charms. The story can be traced back to 2018 when Messi was given a lucky red ribbon by Rama Pantarotto, an Argentinian journalist, which had belonged to Pantarotto’s mother.
Rama Pantarotto approached Messi after Argentina’s draw with Iceland in the opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a game in which Messi missed a penalty.
Pantarotto expressed to Messi, “My Mum loves you more than she loves me,” as he presented him with the gift. Pantarotto added, “I carry her red ribbon for good luck. If you want it, I can give it to you.”
Messi wore the lucky ribbon during the 2022 World Cup Final 👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/wdjIY9cDGV
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 20, 2022
Messi cherished the ribbon, and it has been with him ever since. He has been seen wearing it on several occasions, including the 2022 World Cup final. While it’s unclear if the ankle bracelets are from the same journalist, they resemble the lucky ribbons and highlight the human and superstitious side of the legendary soccer player known as the GOD of FOOTBALL.
Inter Miami officially announced Lionel Messi and released the first picture with 10 Shirt
Inter Miami has finally dropped the official announcement about Lionel Messi. The MLS club released an announcement video and pictures of the Argentine in the pink number 10 jersey of Miami.
Sí, Muchachos📍 pic.twitter.com/8E3f9hb9VU
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 15, 2023
The video already has more than 8 Million views in 12 hours on Twitter. The Argentine fans are excited to see their superstar looking happy and settled in Miami, Florida. All the excitement and buzz surrounding his arrival has shaken American soccer.
Inter Miami’s brand has experienced a significant boost following the arrival of Lionel Messi. The club is determined to retain their prized asset for the entirety of his contract. Messi has officially signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Inter Miami, which includes an option for a third year.
BIENVENIDO 1️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/df1TJQQoYv
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 15, 2023
Lionel Messi will be officially presented to the Inter Miami fans on Sunday at DRV PNK Stadium. The ceremony will be available for live-streaming on Apple’s MLS Season Pass Application. The presentation ceremony will be streamed on Sunday, July 16 at 8 p.m. (EST), exclusively on the MLS Season Pass.