World's Best Soccer Player Lionel Messi Will Go to Miami (Free ESL Lesson)

Lesson made on June 7, 2023

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Reading Lesson:

Famous soccer player Lionel Messi, who played for Paris St-Germain in France, will be joining the American team, Inter Miami. Messi had another offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia which would have paid him more, but he chose Miami instead. The deal includes partnerships with big companies like Adidas and Apple.

Messi, who is 35 years old, has been named the world's best soccer player seven times. He's also predicted to win the award again after a successful World Cup.

Before this, Messi has only played in Europe. He had the choice between staying in Europe, going to Miami, or moving to Saudi Arabia. The big deciding factors for him were the lifestyle in Miami and the chance to work with big companies outside of soccer.

He already has a house in Miami, which he had been renting out. Messi wanted to go back to his old team, Barcelona, this summer, but it was impossible because of new financial rules in the Spanish league.

His time in France was good but not great. He scored 32 goals in 75 games for Paris St-Germain. However, they didn't do well in the Champions League, a big European tournament.

Messi's contract with Paris St-Germain is ending this summer and he decided not to stay. One problem was that he took a trip to Saudi Arabia without permission, which got him suspended for two weeks.

Messi is best known for playing for Barcelona and for winning the World Cup with his home country, Argentina. He had to leave Barcelona in 2021, after being there for 21 years, because the club was having money problems. While he was there, he scored a record 672 goals and helped them win lots of championships.

Comprehension Questions:

Speaking and Writing Activities:

- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Where would you rather live: Paris, Miami, or Saudi Arabia? Explain your reasons.

2. Have you ever played soccer? Who are your favorite players and teams?

3. Lionel Messi has made over 500 million dollars. Does he deserve this much money? If you had this much money, what would you do with it?

More Reading Practice:

Why is Lionel Messi so famous?

Lionel Messi is a professional soccer player known around the world for his exceptional skill, determination, and contribution to the sport. Born in Argentina, he began his professional career with FC Barcelona, a team in Spain. His time at Barcelona, which lasted for more than 20 years, was marked by remarkable performances that helped the team win numerous titles and championships. His impact was so great that Messi became one of the most recognized figures in the sport of soccer.

One of the reasons why Messi is so famous is due to his astonishing ability with the ball. He has a unique talent for dribbling past opponents with incredible speed and agility, making it difficult for them to stop him. This has allowed him to score many goals throughout his career, impressing fans and fellow players alike. He is also known for his precision in passing the ball, creating opportunities for his teammates to score as well.

Another reason for Messi's fame is his consistency. Soccer is a challenging sport that requires not only physical strength but also mental toughness. Messi has demonstrated this toughness by maintaining his high performance level for many years. He doesn't allow setbacks to deter him; instead, he uses them as motivation to improve. This attitude towards the game is one of the factors that have earned him widespread respect.

Additionally, Messi's off-field activities contribute to his global fame. He's involved in charity work and has a foundation that helps provide education and health care for vulnerable children. This shows that he uses his fame and wealth for positive causes, making him a role model for many people, both inside and outside of soccer.

What is the history of Inter Miami?

Inter Miami is a professional soccer team based in Miami, Florida, part of Major League Soccer, which is the top-tier soccer league in the United States. The idea of starting a soccer team in Miami was brought to life by David Beckham, a world-renowned retired soccer player from England, in 2014. Beckham had this unique option as part of his contract when he was playing for the LA Galaxy, another Major League Soccer team.

To turn his idea into reality, Beckham had to bring together a group of investors to support the formation of the team. He succeeded in finding those investors and, together, they announced the birth of the team on January 29, 2018. However, it took a while for the team to actually begin playing. They had to wait for approval from Major League Soccer, organize the team, and even build a stadium.

Inter Miami played their first game in 2020. It was a significant moment because it marked the return of Major League Soccer to Miami after many years. The last time Miami had a Major League Soccer team was back in 2001, so it was a big deal for the soccer fans in the city.

Since its inception, Inter Miami has been striving to achieve success on and off the field. They've brought in well-known soccer players from around the world to help them compete at the highest level. They've also been actively involved in the local community, building ties with the people of Miami. Although they've faced challenges, like any new team, Inter Miami continues to move forward with passion and dedication.

Helpful Links:

Photos of Lionel Messi

Inter Miami Official Website

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