Inter Miami secures monumental signing of Lionel Messi
Inter Miami CF announced the signing of seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion, Lionel Messi. Credit: Shaun Botterill/FIFA/Getty Images
In an unparalleled move for Major League Soccer (MLS), Inter Miami CF announced the signing of seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion, Lionel Messi.
The Argentine superstar is expected to join the team in the coming days and his contract will extend through the 2025 MLS season.
In a statement released by the club, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner, Jorge Mas said, “I am honored to welcome Leo Messi and his family to their new home. A heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality.”
The club's co-owner, David Beckham, expressed his excitement about Messi's arrival. “Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber 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.”
Lionel Messi himself voiced his anticipation of this new chapter in his illustrious career. "I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States. This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project."
MLS Commissioner Don Garber welcomed Messi's move to the league, stating, “We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America."
Messi's first match with Inter Miami CF could be on July 21, in the Leagues Cup competition, when they face off against LIGA MX side, Cruz Azul.
With a career studded with accolades, including a record seven Ballon d’Or titles, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, and two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls, Messi's signing is expected to significantly boost the global reputation of MLS.
Before joining Inter Miami, Messi played for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, scoring hundreds of goals and lifting dozens of team trophies including the UEFA Champions League, Olympic gold medal, three FIFA Club World Cups, 10 La Liga titles, and two Ligue 1 titles.
Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer, recognized the magnitude of the moment, describing it as "a historic moment for Inter Miami, MLS, and football in the United States."
