Argentina World Cup winner and seven-time holder of the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi is set to join Inter Miami having parted ways with former club, French champions Paris St-Germain.
Messi who was reportedly weighing up offers from Miami, where he owns a house, as well as from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal reportedly chose the US side, despite a more lucrative offer from the Saudis.
Sources close to the player said he opted for the move to Major League Soccer for several reasons, not least the American lifestyle. His deal also includes collaborations with major brands that extends beyond football and potentially opens a new career path once he retires from the game.
Inter Miami is co-owned by David Beckham.
Speaking to the BBC Spanish football expert Guillem Balague said: “Lionel Messi wanted to remain in Europe for another season but, after no satisfactory offers were received, he had the straight choice between Inter Miami or Al-Hilal.
“He was keen on a return to Barcelona this summer but the Financial Fair Play limitations that will be in place for next season in La Liga made any ambitious plan to bring him back an impossibility,” he said.
🚨 BREAKING — Lionel Messi: “I’m gonna join Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed”. pic.twitter.com/rm5R4TGFSM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
