Lionel Messi confirms he is close to joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami side at the end of his PSG contract on June 30; Messi admits he had hoped to return to Barcelona but was put off by the manner of his departure from the Nou Camp in 2021 and the club’s ongoing financial issues
Messi to Inter Miami confirmed
- Club video makes reference to rival interest
- Player initially wanted Barca reunion
WHAT HAPPENED? The MLS club have won the race to sign Messi as a free agent, after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain following the end of his contract. They announced Messi’s arrival on social media with a 32-second video making reference to the interest from Barcelona and Al-Hilal – the clubs Miami have beaten to his signature.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi’s move is a seismic one for MLS with both he and long-time Ballon d’Or rival Cristiano Ronaldo now both having left European football. Messi admitted he “wanted” to return to Barcelona but the club’s financial situation made the nostlagic reunion impossible.
WHAT THEY SAID?: Messi confirmed his move in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, saying: “I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami. I still haven’t closed it 100 per cent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue the path.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI? He could be involved for his new club Inter Miami as early as next month, when they take part in the Leagues Cup against Mexico’s Cruz Azul on July 21. READ MORE
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