Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team, has announced the signing of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on a contract until 2025. The 36-year-old striker, who recently led Argentina to a World Cup victory, will be officially unveiled by the team in a ceremony on Sunday and is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami as early as Friday. Messi’s arrival has generated significant excitement and is anticipated to generate increased interest in soccer and MLS throughout the United States.
Inter Miami, currently struggling at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, hopes that Messi’s presence will help revitalize the team’s fortunes. Messi expressed his enthusiasm about joining the club, stating his eagerness to contribute and achieve their goals.
Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami on Friday in a match against Cruz Azul as part of the Leagues Cup, a competition between MLS and Mexican league teams.
This signing is regarded as a significant milestone for the MLS, comparable to the impact made by David Beckham when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his pride and excitement about Messi’s arrival, emphasizing his belief in the project and his aspiration to grow soccer in the United States.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, has previously worked with Messi during their time together at FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Their reunion adds another layer of familiarity and anticipation for the team.
Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami and MLS is seen as a testament to the league’s growing momentum and reputation. MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his delight and confidence that Messi’s presence will showcase MLS as an attractive destination for top players in the world.
The signing of Messi will be celebrated with a grand arrival ceremony on Sunday, followed by his first news conference with Inter Miami on Monday and his initial training session with the club on Tuesday. The event is expected to draw a crowd of 18,000 fans, demonstrating the excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival.
Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, expressed his gratitude to the fans and emphasized the club’s commitment to building an ambitious team that can attract world-class players. He looks forward to turning dreams into reality with Messi and the entire Inter Miami community.
