Inter Miami CF officially signed Lionel Messi to a contract on Saturday, marking the beginning of his tenure with the team. Fans can expect his highly anticipated MLS debut to take place on Friday, when Miami faces off against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Messi, who celebrated his 36th birthday on June 24, confirmed his move to Miami after departing from Paris Saint-Germain. His contract with Miami is until the conclusion of the 2025 season. Messi will earn $50-60 million per year according to reports.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said.
“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
Messi
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
Messi guided Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986 in Qatar last year while also claiming the Ballon d’Or trophy a record-breaking seven times.
“We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer. His decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.
“And We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a League of Choice for the best players in the game.
“We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”
Messi transfer to Inter Miami could change MLS the way Beckham’s transfer did!
Inter Miami co-owner and Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham welcomed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winning Lionel Messi to the team in his own words as well.
“Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city. Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much,” said Co-Owner, David Beckham.
“Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community. The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”