One of the game’s greatest-ever players confirmed the news Wednesday, saying he’s coming to South Beach roughly six months after winning the World Cup with Argentina.
The 35-year-old forward, leaving French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, would represent a true landmark signing for the club and league.
Also by midweek, Major League Soccer released the following statement about Messi’s intention to join the club this summer: We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer.
Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.
The move would end a years-long speculation period where Miami add the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner – and he would fittingly join a club that’s co-owned by David Beckham, whose 2007 arrival to the LA Galaxy ignited the league’s Designated Player rule. That coincided with a massive period of growth and expansion both on and off the field, including when Miami launched in 2020. Now, this transfer coup would add rocket fuel to those tailwinds and provide a must-see player for fans in stadiums across the US and Canada, as well as globally via MLS Season Pass broadcasts on the Apple TV app.
Messi’s announcement sent shockwaves throughout the global soccer landscape, reportedly rejecting advances from Spanish side FC Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League in recent days. Leaving Europe for the first time as a professional after debuting in 2004, the left-footed icon would bring a spotlight to a club that’s looking to match star power with their lofty ambitions.
