Alexis Sánchez settles into Montreal alone, gearing up to face Messi's Inter Miami

New city, new locker room, a different language on the street. Alexis Sánchez is still unpacking his bags in Canada, and it's clear the move has taken a toll on him, at least at first. The Chilean forward signed with CF Montreal of Major League Soccer, and the first thing he did was share exactly how he felt about it: no filter, and with family very much on his mind.

That's the detail that explains this moment. Alexis left behind his daughter Bea and his partner, Alexandra Litvinova, to settle in North America alone as he begins this new chapter. And for anyone, that weighs heavier than any training session.

The player himself summed it up on Instagram, in a message accompanied by photos in his new jersey, a look back at the clubs he's played for throughout his career, and a picture with his daughter.

It was a week of a lot of changes: travel, time away from family, and the start of a new chapter in Canada.Alexis Sánchez

He didn't stop there. The two-time Copa América champion with the Chilean national team added a reflection that sounds more like a personal message than a club statement, something that's become his trademark every time he changes scenery.

It's not always easy, but every step counts. Like I always say, here we go again. May this new chapter bring learning and continued growth.Alexis Sánchez

Words that, knowing his history, make sense. Alexis has already played for Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Marseille, among others. He's changed countries, leagues and levels of demand more times than many players do in an entire career. And now, at 36, he has to do it again, in a league completely different from anything he knew in Europe.

An immediate debut, and against star power

There's no time to ease in slowly. The Chilean is already training with his new team with an eye on this Saturday's match, at 7:30 p.m., when CF Montreal hosts Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.

It's a debut with every spotlight on him, against one of the most high-profile teams on the planet and facing familiar faces from his years in Europe and South America. For a player who just stepped off the plane and is still processing the change, it's not the easiest match to start with. But, as he himself said, every step counts.