The world’s greatest soccer player, Lionel Messi, is set to join Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami in 2023. The 34-year-old Argentinian superstar has agreed to a two-year deal with the club, with an option for a third year. Messi will reportedly earn $35 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history.
Messi’s arrival in Miami is a major coup for the club and for MLS. He is one of the most popular and successful athletes in the world, and his signing is sure to boost the league’s profile both domestically and internationally.
Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in the 2023 MLS season. He will join a team that already includes former MLS MVP Gonzalo Higuaín and former Manchester United defender Nemanja Matić.
Inter Miami is owned by David Beckham, who has been trying to sign Messi for several years. Beckham believes that Messi can help Inter Miami win its first MLS Cup.
“I’m incredibly excited to have Messi join our club,” Beckham said in a statement. “He’s one of the greatest players of all time, and his arrival is a testament to the progress we’ve made as a club. I know he’s going to help us achieve our goals.”
Messi’s move to Inter Miami is the latest step in his storied career. He began his professional career at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, before moving to Barcelona in 2004. He spent the next 17 years at Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, and 7 Ballon d’Or awards.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after the club could no longer afford his wages. He joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer but struggled to replicate his previous form in France.
Messi is expected to return to his best form in MLS. He will have the opportunity to play more often and to be the focal point of the Inter Miami attack. He will also be able to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle in Miami.
Messi’s arrival in MLS is a major moment for the league. It is a sign that MLS is now a destination for top players from around the world. It is also a sign that MLS is growing in popularity and stature.