LIONEL Messi’s mega deal to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami has been finalised, the American club announced tonight.
The contract for the 36-year-old Argentinian superstar became official today, five weeks after he declared he would be joining Inter Miami.
The United States franchise are expected to introduce the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner tomorrow at their stadium in Fort Lauderdale, and his first home match could be on Friday in a Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Cruz Azul.
A news conference is scheduled for Monday, and Messi’s first training session with his new club is expected the day after Tuesday.
Messi’s deal with Inter Miami will be for two-and-a-half seasons and that they will pay him between $50m and $60m annually – putting the total contract value between $125m and $150m.
“BIENVENIDO 10,” Inter Miami posted on Twitter today to announce the completion of the move.
MLS commissioner, Don Garber, said in a statement: “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.
“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a League of Choice for the best players in the game.”
Messi arrived in the United States on Tuesday after his break following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, and underwent his medical on Wednesday.
Paperwork was then sorted and the deal was finalised tonight, sealing his free transfer after two years with PSG.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Argentina’s Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning captain said in a statement distributed by the club.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
Comments are closed.