Messi to Inter Miami
According to a source, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi might make his MLS debut against Arsenal in an All-Stars match on July 19.
When his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of this month, the 35-year-old will join the Florida-based club.
Messi played in Paris for two seasons, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 75 games across all competitions while winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 32 goals in 32 French top-flight matches in the 2022-23 season, and he was the talisman behind Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, the country’s first in 36 years.
Prior to joining PSG, Messi had a famous 17-year professional career with Barcelona, winning 35 titles and scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances.
After turning down rich offers to relocate to Saudi Arabia, Messi is prepared to start on a new adventure in the United States with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
On Thursday, the forward scored the quickest goal of his career while on international duty with Argentina, scoring after only 79 seconds in a 2-0 friendly win against Australia in Beijing.
Messi will now take a few weeks off before rejoining his new colleagues at Inter Miami next month.
When asked about his arrival and likely start date at Inter Miami following Argentina’s victory, Messi told reporters, according to the Daily Mail, “I want to go on vacation and then we go again.”
According to The Sun, Messi might make his American debut in the MLS All-Stars game against Premier League side Arsenal on July 19 at Audi Field in Washington DC.
Former Manchester United striker and current DC United head coach Wayne Rooney will lead the All-Stars team, picking 12 MLS players, including Messi, for his 26-man side.
Twelve additional players will be picked by a mix of votes from MLS fans, media members, and players, with league commissioner Don Garber filling the final two positions.
Messi might make his Inter Miami debut against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21 after potentially representing the MLS All-Stars.
According to the Miami Herald, tickets for this match have jumped by 1,034% since Messi’s debut at Inter Miami, with the most expensive ticket available for $20,701 (£16,000).
