In an exclusive interview for Mundo Deportivo, renowned Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi revealed that he will play for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) championship.
Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi considered various options to continue his career, such as returning to Barcelona or accepting an offer from Saudi football, which has seduced other prominent international players. However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner opted for a new adventure in the Miami team.
“I was very excited to return to Barcelona, but I didn’t want to wait to see what was going to happen and leave my future in the hands of others. I wanted to make my own decision. I’m going to Miami. I want to get out of focus and leave Europe ”, revealed Lionel Messi
The news of Messi’s incorporation to Inter Miami had been anticipated by several media outlets, including the renowned Spanish newspaper Marca, the British newspaper The Independent, the BBC citing Guillem Balagué, author of a Messi biography, and the journalist specialized in transfers, Fabrizio Romano. These sources affirmed that the Argentine soccer player leaned towards the option of the American club.
The financing of the transfer of the Argentine star to Inter Miami was possible thanks to the income generated by the new subscribers of the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV +. In the spring, Apple and MLS signed a million-dollar agreement of 2.5 billion dollars with a duration of 10 years. In addition, Apple TV+ recently announced the production of a four-episode documentary series that will review the history of the five World Cups in which Messi has participated.
Although Saudi club Al-Hilal had offered Messi an annual salary of 400 million euros ($428 million), the Argentine decided not to accept the offer and instead opted for the chance to play in Miami. Executives of the Saudi club even traveled to Paris last Sunday in an attempt to close the deal, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Messi, who was crowned world champion with Argentina last December, now aims to defend the Copa América title in 2024.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami is playing the quarterfinals of the American Cup against the Birmingham Legion. The club recently fired its coach, Englishman Phil Neuville, and appointed Argentine Javier Morales as his replacement.