Messi to join Inter Miami
In a huge coup for MLS, Lionel Messi will join Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has agreed to join Inter Miami, with the MLS side winning out amid competition from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia.
Messi’s move to Miami has been long in the offing. Indeed, More Than A Game understands that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had agreed to sign for the Herons as long ago as the summer of 2022.
Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas teased the move on Twitter, before Sport and Mundo Deportivo released an interview with Messi himself.
“I am off to Miami. I don’t have it closed at 100 percent and there are a few things to finalise but we have decided to continue [our next chapter] there.”
Lionel Messi
The 35-year-old is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after two years in the French capital, where despite some magical moments he was not considered a fan favourite.
He was suspended by the club and angered their fans after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. Indeed, many believed the Gulf state could have been Messi’s next destination.
Al Hilal wanted to sign Messi, who would have joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Pro League.
Former club Barca, where Messi is a the record holder for appearances (778), goals (672) and titles won (35), also tried, but lacked the financial might to pull a homecoming off.
Indeed, Messi confirmed he wanted to rejoin Barca, telling Sport:
“I wanted to return and I was excited but, on the other hand, after what I experienced when I left the club, I didn’t want to repeat the same situation. I didn’t want to leave my future in the hands of others. I read that they had to sell players or lower wages for me to come back and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that.
“If the Barcelona thing didn't work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more in my family.”
Ultimately, Miami have won the race, and MLS has a new superstar. Not since David Beckham joined LA Galaxy from Real Madrid has the league had such a global presence.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was one of the first huge American sports personalities to comment, telling reporters: “That’s awesome. We’ll have another superstar. The big names in Miami, it’s great for the culture out here.”
It has been reported by The Athletic that MLS and Apple have helped fund a package to finalise the transfer, which will surely go down as the biggest in MLS history.
Barca subsequently released a statement.
On Monday, 5th June, 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 Barca, in consideration of the desire of both Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana.
President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.
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By Patric Ridge