Argentine star forward Lionel Messi is coming to the United States. In an interview with a Spanish media outlet on Wednesday, Messi said that he will continue his career in Major League Soccer and play for Inter Miami.
MLS later confirmed the move on social media.
“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said about his decision.
Messi is currently a free agent after his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old player had an offer from Saudi Arabia, which was believed to be worth up to $1 billion, and La Liga side Barcelona but ended up choosing the MLS.
“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more,” Messi added. “Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”
In order to attract Messi, MLS got very creative. Messi will reportedly be entitled to a share of profits from revenue that would be generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass and a profit-sharing agreement with sportswear giant Adidas.
On top of this, Messi will receive a rumored annual salary of $60 million to $100 million and an option to purchase a stake in an MLS team after he finishes his playing career. This is a similar option that David Beckham had when he came to MLS, and it resulted in his involvement in Inter Miami.
Another thing that might have lured Messi to MLS is the fact that Miami is considering hiring Gerardo “Tata” Martino as their new head coach. Messi is known as a huge fan of Martino, having worked with him in Barcelona and with Argentina’s national team.
