Ahead of his official unveiling on Sunday evening, July 16, 2023, Inter Miami has announced the signing of Lionel Messi.
The club took to their social media handle to officially announced the signing of the Argentina 2022 World Cup legend as their new player.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent from PSG. Before his PSG contract expired on June 30, 2023, Messi revealed in an exclusive interview he will join Inter Miami for a new chapter of his career.
Messi had a chance to continue in top level football in Europe with his former club, Barcelona, trying to sign him back but he turned down the offer.
Also, Messi rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, turning down the most lucrative football contract from Al Hilal to pit tent with Inter Miami – a decision which was largely considered as shocking.
While Messi’s decision to turn down Barcelona return and Al Hilal offer raised eyebrows, it is understood Lionel Messi is not losing in his move to Inter Miami either.
The footie icon is joining the Florida-based MLS franchise with a unique contract on ground.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Contract Details
Messi has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Inter Miami worth $47million per year. Also included in his contract is a lifetime entitlement or royalties from Adidas’s sell of his Inter Miami shirt.
According to reports, Messi’s deal with Inter Miami included a lifetime earning amounting to $1bn. Also, Messi will share from Apple TV’s broadcast of MLS matches.
Lionel Messi will face a huge task of reversing Inter Miami’s MLS misfortunes this season.
The club is rocked bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference from 21 games, having managed just five wins, 13 loses, and 3 draws.
They have seen the worst days in their last 10 games in the MLS as they have been winless, managing just 3 draws and losing 7.
With Lionel Messi joining the team, the club will be expected to arrest their recent misfortunes and return to winning ways.
Due to a dismal campaign, former manager of the club Phil Neville has been sacked as manager with Gerardo Martino of Argentina emerging as a new manager.
It is believed Gerardo Martino, who has worked with Lionel Messi both at Argentina national team and Barcelona will have no issues chiselling the MLS side to suit the footie star.
Martino will be expected to build the club around Lionel Messi counting on his experience with the seven times Ballon d’Or winner at Barcelona and Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi will make his Inter Miami debut on July 21 against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Messi left Europe on a high note. Despite being booed by PSG ultras for failing to win the Champions League with the club, Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup win placed him as one of the greatest footballers in history having won all major international and club trophies.
He is among the few footballers who have scored over 100 goals for their national teams, having scored 103 goals for Argentina national team.
He is 193 goals away from hitting a landmark 1000 career goals having registered 807 goals so far in his football career. He is the player with the most assists in the history of the game with 300 assists.
The Argentina football legend will be expected to replicate his prolific career stats with the MLS as he takes up the new challenge with Inter Miami in what is regarded as the last lap of his legendary career.
David Beckham reacts to Lionel Messi announcement
David Beckham has felt both fulfilled and optimistic after Inter Miami announced the signing of Lionel Messi. Paying a tribute to the footie icon, Beckham wrote on Instagram: “The next chapter of our story starts here. Ten years ago when I started this journey, I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to Miami… Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in this country and build a legacy 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’m also delighted to welcome a friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami CF community.”
David Beckham had revealed he was equally surprised when Lionel Messi decided to join Inter Miami. However, it is believed the Manchester United legend and football investor must have played a big role in Messi’s decision to join the club.
