As football season takes shape, it’s impossible to overlook one seismic event: Lionel Messi‘s forthcoming move to Major League Soccer (MLS). The Argentine wizard, one of the most distinguished players in the world, is set to add a new chapter to his illustrious career. After announcing to exit Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is edging closer to joining Inter Miami, the MLS side co-owned by global soccer icon David Beckham.
At 35, Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has established an unrivaled footballing legacy, leaving an indelible impact at both Barcelona and PSG. This forthcoming move signifies his audacious plunge into the unexplored domain of American soccer.
“I’ve made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi confessed in a dual interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport. “I still haven’t closed it one hundred percent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue on the path,” he elaborated. While the formalities of the deal are not yet completed, Inter Miami, currently struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, seems confident that Messi’s arrival is imminent.
The road to Miami for Messi wasn’t a straight line. Despite the rumors of a possible return to Barcelona or an unexpected shift to Saudi Arabia alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Messi’s heart seemed set on an MLS adventure. “If it had been a matter of money I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere… my decision was for the other side and not for money,” he affirmed.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, accepted Messi’s desire to embark on this less-demanding path, away from the constant scrutiny that characterized his European career. “Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years,” read a statement from Barcelona.
Inter Miami, in dire need of a boost, is not only counting on Lionel Messi’s prowess but also on the potential arrival of his ex-Barcelona compatriots Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez. Nevertheless, Messi was quick to dispel notions that his decision was contingent on his friends’ future plans, emphasizing, “I made my decision for myself and I don’t know what they are going to do.“
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Amid these changes, Inter Miami has parted ways with former manager, ex-Manchester United player Phil Neville, sparking rumors of the imminent arrival of former Argentina boss Tata Martino.
Messi’s move will be a profound shift for a player who has exclusively played professionally in Europe. With his eyes set on his American adventure, he’s poised to feature in the July 21 Leagues Cup game, marking the beginning of a new phase in his illustrious career. “Now I will close my career in this country… enjoying the day-to-day much more – but with the same responsibility of wanting to win and always doing things well but with more peace of mind,” Messi concluded.
Despite the shift in football landscapes, Lionel Messi’s inherent winning mentality and commitment to excellence remain unwavering. His arrival will undoubtedly be a game-changer for the MLS, setting a new benchmark for the league’s aspirations. It’s clear that the winds of change are blowing in the world of football, and the direction they’re heading seems to point to Miami.
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