MIAMI, USA – In a move set to electrify American soccer, Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic figures in global sports, has announced his intention to join Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
The 35-year-old Argentine maestro, fresh off leading his national team to World Cup glory last year, revealed his plans on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in an interview with Spanish media.
His departure from Paris Saint-Germain of France’s Ligue 1 marks the end of his European playing chapter, and begins a new era in the United States, a nation where soccer has been on a meteoric rise.
Lionel Messi, a soccer maestro who has enthralled the world for over a decade, declared on Wednesday that he would bring his unrivaled talent to the United States.
In an interview with Spanish sports news outlets, Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Messi confirmed his intention to ink a deal with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) team co-owned by global soccer icon, David Beckham.
“I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi stated. “I still haven’t closed it 100 percent. I’m missing some things, but we decided to continue the path.”
While the MLS has refrained from commenting officially on Messi’s pronouncement, insiders suggest that a complex negotiation process lies ahead, given the myriad sources from which Messi’s potentially record-breaking compensation package will be derived.
If the deal is ratified, Messi’s arrival would arguably mark the most significant acquisition in MLS history since David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in 2007. Beckham’s transfer to the US had previously set a new bar for the league’s quality and global ambitions. The arrival of Messi would not only raise this bar but catapult the league into the international spotlight ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In his candid interview, Messi admitted that Miami might not have been his first choice as his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came to a close. His heart, it seems, still lay with Barcelona – the club where he rose to global fame, becoming arguably the best player of his generation.
He confessed that he “obviously really wanted to return” to Barcelona and had engaged in discussions with Xavi Hernández, the club’s manager, and Joan Laporta, its president. However, Messi admitted that Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis had factored significantly into his decision.
He expressed his unwillingness to be a burden on the team, forcing them to alter their squad and financial planning to accommodate him.
Choosing to prioritize his family and personal well-being, Messi opted for a change of scene and a move away from Europe. This led him to reject the option of continuing with PSG, where he hadn’t quite settled into an attack that featured Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. His exit from PSG was confirmed by the club on Saturday, just hours before their final match of the season.
In a statement released by PSG, Messi expressed gratitude for his two years with the French club. “I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris, and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.”
In response, the club extended its “warmest regards” and thanked Messi for his contribution. However, PSG’s fans expressed their discontent, booing Messi during warm-ups and throughout his final game with the club.
Now, as he steps onto the shores of Miami, Messi stands poised to ignite American soccer like never before, offering fans the chance to witness firsthand the skills and artistry that have made him a global icon.
