- On Wednesday, Lionel Messi confirmed that he will be joining Inter Miami instead of going back to Barcelona as many expected
- Barcelona have released an official statement addressing Messi’s decision to move to the Major League Soccer
On Wednesday, Lionel Messi confirmed that he will be joining Inter Miami instead of going back to Barcelona as many expected.
Barcelona had hoped to convince the Argentine forward to rejoin them this summer following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain; however, that will now not be the case.
Lionel Messi has made up his mind to join Inter Miami. Photo/ Bitbol.
Lionel Messi, who played his final game for PSG over the weekend, also rejected a lucrative contract offer in Saudi Arabia.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers on Wednesday evening, Messi said that he had made up his mind to go to Miami.
“I made the decision that I’m going to go to Miami. I still haven’t closed it 100%. I’m still missing a few things, but we decided to go ahead. If Barcelona didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more about my family.” Reuters quote Lionel Messi.
FC Barcelona released a statement after Messi confirmed his move to Inter Miami addressing the Argentine’s decision. As per the statement, Barcelona president Joan understands and respects Messi’s decision to move to the Major League Soccer.
Laporta and Messi’s father will work together to ensure the 2022 World Cup winner gets a proper tribute from Barcelona fans.
“President 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. Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.” Part of Barcelona’s statement on Lionel Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi had a lucrative offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, with the club submitting a formal bid. However, he opted to continue his career in America instead of going to Barca or Saudi Pro League where he would have played against Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Al-Hilal will now have to wait until 2024 before reigniting their interest in one of the greatest footballer’s of all time.
According to Goal.com, Messi could make his debut for Inter Miami as early as July 21 in a League Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Reuters reports that Lionel Messi had wanted to go to a club where he could eventually have a ownership stake, and Inter Miami provides him with that opportunity. His contract is expected to pave way for him to do so after he retires from football.
Inter Miami are co-owned by legendary footballer David Beckham, who was one of the top European stars to move to the MLS.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. Photo/ The Irish Sun.
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