Lionel Messi would eventually have chosen MLS

Lionel Messi would eventually have chosen MLS

Sports News / By /

The persistent rumor that Lionel Messi is moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) has come true as he will play for Inter Miami CF.

The 35-year-old forward told SPORT and Mundo Deportivo media on Wednesday that he was leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The one who won the World Cup with Argentina last year was also coveted by FC Barcelona (Spain) and Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia).

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“I will move to Inter Miami. The decision is 100% final,” he said.

Earlier in the day, a source familiar with the matter in MLS told The Athletic that North American circuit officials had been informed that Messi would be choosing between Miami or Barcelona. Joining a club in Saudi Arabia was not in his plans. According to website sport.es, Messi would also have received a four-year contract offer that would allow him to earn around $54m per season at the Florida club.

“If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to this country or somewhere else,” he admitted. But the truth is I changed my mind and it’s not because of the dollars.”

A start in July?

Messi has been playing for PSG in France since 2021 and has a contract with this team that is valid until June 30. On Monday night, the footballer’s father said his son would announce his next goal in the coming week, which he did.

However, The Athletic also mentioned a possible date for Messi’s MLS debut, Inter Miami CF’s League Cup match against Mexican side Cruz Azul on 21 July. However, CF Montreal fans who were hoping to see him in action at the Saputo Stadium this season will have to wait until 2024 unless Messi’s new squad crosses swords with CF in the playoffs. In fact, Inter already visited the metropolis of Quebec on May 27th.

In 2020, Messi also hinted in an interview with La Sexta, a Spanish TV channel, that he envisions the end of his playing career in the United States.

“I’ve always dreamed of having the experience of living in the United States and seeing what this league is like [la MLS]’ he said at the time.

In a press release, MLS said they were happy Messi had chosen this circuit, but details are yet to be confirmed.

“While a formal agreement is yet to be finalised, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest footballers in history to our league.”