Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, has completed his move to Inter Miami on a deal running to 2025.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced Messi’s move on Saturday, July 15, 2023.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona forward revealed in June he had decided to join Inter Miami as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came to an end.
With the deal now officially done, Messi is in line to make his debut for his new employers on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Speaking on the move, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner said: “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the U.S.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
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Inter Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who said: “Ten years ago when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
“Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the U.S. and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
“Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person, and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
“The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, arrives after a season in which he helped his country to World Cup glory in Qatar, as well as PSG to the Ligue 1 title.
This was as in his first campaign with the French club in 2021/2022.
That adds to an already huge trophy haul on his CV which features four UEFA Champions League successes from his years with Barcelona.
He scored a staggering total of 672 goals for the Spanish club.
Joining Miami sees Messi – who has also netted more than 100 international goals – reunite with coach Gerardo Martino, who he previously worked under with Barcelona and Argentina.
Martino was appointed in June after the club sacked Beckham’s ex-Manchester United team-mate Phil Neville.
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