Lionel Messi jogged a lap with his new teammates, took part in a warm-up drill of players making short passes in a tight circle and before long tapped his left foot at a ball that wound up in the back of an open net. Inter Miami's new star wasted no time fitting right in.

The World Cup winner and seven-time Ballon d'Or recipient as the world's best player took part in a training session with his new Major League Soccer club for the first time on Tuesday, three days after signing a two-and-half-year contract that'll pay him between $50 million and $60 million a year.

A helicopter hovered overhead, drones buzzed around the field and about 200 media members lined up toward the back of the complex to get a look at Messi. He, like newly signed Sergio Busquets — also a World Cup winner — went through a welcome tunnel as part of the first practice, which meant jogging past teammates as they lined up and clapped.

Messi's first match is expected to be on Friday, a Leagues Cup contest at home against Cruz Azul. Some tickets are going for as little as $275 or so on the secondary market; some of the very best seats are exceeding $19,000. Prices have been fluctuating quite a bit and likely will continue doing so until game time.

Meanwhile, according to Inter Miami president Jordi Alaba, the former Barcelona and Spanish international will join Messi at Inter Miami.

The 34-year-old left back was released by Barcelona at the end of last season after playing more than 450 games for the club, winning the Champions League in 2015, six LaLiga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, four Spanish Super Cups and the Club World Cup.

Alba, who has won more than 90 caps for Spain, will be part of a strong ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami, with Messi and Sergio Busquets having already joined the club.