Lionel Messi Signs With Inter Miami CF in Massive Win for MLS
In interviews with Spanish media on Wednesday, Lionel Messi announced that he would be signing with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, opting for the United States as his next destination instead of a reunion with Barcelona or a blockbuster deal in Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old Argentine forward recently completed a two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain, playing his final match for the club on Saturday. In 2021, he made the move from Barcelona, where he had spent the majority of his illustrious career.
Messi explained that he didn’t want to wait for Barcelona to find a solution to their financial situation, which prevented them from retaining him before his transfer to PSG. This led to an emotional departure from the club, and Messi expressed his fear of experiencing a similar situation again.
“I’ve made the decision to go to Miami. While the deal may not be 100% finalized, or there might be some remaining details to sort out, we’ve chosen to pursue that path,” Messi stated in interviews with Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo.
He further added, “I had offers from other European teams, but I didn’t even consider them because my intention in Europe was solely to join Barcelona. After winning the World Cup and not being able to go back to Barca, I feel it’s time to experience football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day life more in the MLS. Of course, I’ll approach it with the same responsibility and desire to win, and strive to perform well, but with a greater sense of tranquility.”
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to claim the individual accolade once again following his leadership in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in December 2022.
The football world eagerly awaited Messi’s decision after PSG confirmed his departure earlier this week. The playmaker, widely regarded as the greatest player in football history, chose to join MLS, overlooking the romantic notion of returning to Barcelona and the allure of lucrative riches in Saudi Arabia. The sunny city of Miami, where he has vacationed before, became his preferred destination.
Some reports suggest that key MLS sponsors, including sportswear brand Adidas and Apple TV, which holds the league’s domestic broadcasting rights, may be contributing to his deal.
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023
