Soccer shocker: Lionel Messi declares he would sign with the MLS squad in Miami
Legendary soccer player Lionel Messi revealed on Wednesday that he intends to join Inter Miami CF.
The 2022 World Cup champion of Argentina is reportedly choosing to sign with MLS over returning to Barcelona or turning down a rich offer to play in Saudi Arabia.
At the end of this month, when his contract with France’s Paris Saint-Germain expires, Messi, who turns 36 on June 24, will formally become a free agent.
Messi affirmed the decision in interviews with the Spanish sports journals Sport and Mundo Deportivo.
“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” the MLS said in a statement earlier on Wednesday. Even though there is still work to be done to complete a formal deal, we are excited to have one of the greatest soccer players of all time join our League.
Soccer shocker: Lionel Messi says he will join Miami’s MLS team
According to reports, Messi’s wish to return to Barcelona, the Spanish La Liga team where he rose to international prominence from 2004 to 21, was dashed by financial issues.
He received a rumoured $400 million per year from Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Hilal, rekindling his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo while playing in a far less prominent role on the European football scene.
Messi has frequently stated over the past year that he would prefer to play in the United States and he owns property there.
Although the specifics of a deal with Inter Miami are currently unknown, Messi would almost surely set a new record for the biggest pay in MLS history. Lorenzo Insigne will receive a record $14 million from Toronto FC.
Inter Miami, which is owned by billionaire businessman Jorge Mas, his brother Jose, and former football star David Beckham, reportedly offered him a minority ownership in the team, according to ESPN.
Additionally, according to ESPN, Messi’s contract may include a pact with Apple TV, the league’s broadcast rights holder. An MLS contract and an Apple TV agreement are two different things.
Since Beckham joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, Messi’s arrival would be the league’s most high-profile acquisition.
Messi playing in the United States would be beneficial for the league, according to MLS commissioner Don Garber, who said as much to The Athletic in March.
Garber described Messi as “possibly the most special player in the history of the game.” So it’s fantastic when there are rumours linking him to Miami. And if it were to happen, it would be fantastic for the MLS as well as for Messi and his family. As with everything else, we work hard to seize every chance.
With 15 points, Inter Miami (5-11-0) is presently last in the Eastern Conference. Miami has scored more goals than any other team in the East except for New York City FC (11).
MIAMI — Lionel Messi has accomplished yet another amazing feat by joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Messi has confirmed his choice to join a Miami team that has been coached by another legendary football figure, David Beckham, since its formation but has not yet made any meaningful waves on the pitch after months, if not years, of rumours. That most likely will alter shortly. Shortly before Messi made his decision public in talks with the Spanish news agencies Mundo Deportivo and Sport, one of Inter Miami’s owners, Jorge Mas, tweeted a picture of a darkly silhouetted Messi jersey.
There was widespread speculation that Messi will eventually decide to sign with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, following longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo to a country where several clubs are currently supported by the state’s sovereign wealth fund. Another option was to return to Barcelona, the legendary team where he played for the majority of his career.
