Lionel Messi's viral supermarket photo was staged

The Argentine icon has arrived in Miami ahead of making his MLS debut.

Lionel Messi’s recent supermarket trip with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was allegedly orchestrated by Inter Miami, according to Alexi Lalas.

The Argentine superstar was photographed at the Miami branch of Publix, a well-known grocery store in the area, shortly before confirming his move to the MLS club. Lalas suggests that the photo opportunity was prearranged by Inter Miami, who already have a partnership with the retailer.

During a discussion on Fox Soccer, the former USMNT star commented (via Goal), “One of the things that they did was – when I say ‘did,’ it’s because it was absolutely orchestrated – Messi was in his new town, and what do you do when you’re in a new town? You stock the refrigerator.

“Lo and behold, he turns up at a Publix. For those who don’t know, Publix is a ubiquitous grocery store down in that neck of the woods. And lo and behold, he is seen there with a cart full of stuff that he is going to stock in his refrigerator.

“It takes a couple of clicks to go to the Inter Miami website and pull up their corporate partners and woah! Amazing! Publix! There it is! Brilliant, by the way. I loved every orchestrated second of it. But this is part of the give-and-take and this is part of what Messi brings to this situation.“

As the anticipation for Messi’s debut with Inter Miami grows, co-owner David Beckham has suggested caution regarding the date of his first appearance.

Beckham has stated that Messi might stay out of action if he is not fully fit for their upcoming clash with Cruz Azul on Saturday. Gerardo Martino’s side will take on Atlanta United in a home game four days later.