In a stunning announcement on Wednesday, Lionel Messi revealed that he will be joining Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine superstar made the announcement in an interview with Spanish publications Mundo Deportivo and Sport. MLS later confirmed the proposed deal on social media.
Although he was linked with a return to former club Barcelona as well as a possible move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, Messi ultimately decided to join co-owner David Beckham’s Inter Miami in MLS. “I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said.
Sources confirmed that terms include an option for part-ownership of Inter Miami, but it would not be subsidized by the league as it was for Beckham in 2007. When Beckham moved to the LA Galaxy, he was given the option to purchase an MLS team for a discounted price of $25 million.
In negotiations, a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service was also part of the deal. Any agreement involving Messi and Adidas would strictly be between the player and the company and wouldn’t directly involve MLS.
“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” MLS said in a written statement. “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”
Barcelona wishes Messi well
After Messi’s announcement, Barcelona wished the Argentina star “the best of luck in his news professional phase” and said an offer was presented before Messi made the decision to move to MLS. “Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana,” Barca said in a statement.
The Catalan club revealed the intention to work with Messi in the future “to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”
Messi began his career at Barcelona, joining as a 13-year-old youth player and ending as the club’s record appearance-maker and top goal scorer, as well as winning 10 LaLiga trophies and four Champions League titles. However, amid a financial crisis, Barca were unable to renew his contract in August 2021, forcing him to leave. He joined PSG on a free transfer later that month.
His stint at PSG came alongside other accomplishments, too. In December, Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, ending his wait for the only major honour to have eluded him in his career. He was then named men’s footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in February — his second time winning the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.
The arrival of Messi, 35, promises to be the biggest signing in the 27-year history of MLS, rivaled only by the signing of Beckham. His signing will also be a major boost for a Miami team that sits bottom of the Eastern Conference and last week dismissed coach Phil Neville. Miami has reportedly held talks with Tata Martino about taking the managerial role there. Martino is a former manager for Argentina and for Barcelona, having worked with Messi on both teams.
Lionel Messi’s potential arrival in MLS at Inter Miami will revolutionize the game in the US. His decision to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer has been met with great excitement by fans, who are eagerly anticipating his debut in the league. The move also marks a significant shift in Messi’s career, as he looks to continue playing at the highest level while approaching the later stages of his career.
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