Messi Declares His Intentions to Join Inter Miami in MLS

Introduction:

In a stunning turn of events, the soccer world was left in awe as Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, revealed his intentions to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the global football community, igniting excitement and anticipation for what could potentially be a game-changing move. In a surprising announcement on Wednesday(7th June 2023), Lionel Messi revealed his intention to join Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, as a free agent. This decision comes after his departure from French champions Paris St Germain and turning down a lucrative contract offer from Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi found himself at the center of speculation regarding a potential return to Barcelona. However, the Spanish club's hands were tied due to the financial fair play regulations imposed by LaLiga, leaving Messi to explore other options, including his decision to join Inter Miami in MLS.

The Past and the Barcelona Side of View:

At the age of 33, Lionel Messi departed from Barcelona in August 2021 as a free agent, eventually signing with Paris Saint-Germain due to Barcelona's inability to register his contract within the financial constraints imposed by LaLiga.

Barcelona expressed their desire to bring back the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner this summer, as confirmed by coach Xavi Hernandez. However, they found themselves in a familiar predicament, as they were unable to provide assurances regarding their ability to register new signings under the league's regulations.

What Messi Has to Say?

"I really wanted to come back," Messi told Diario Sport after announcing his move to Miami. "But, on the other hand, after having lived through what I lived through, after the exit I had, I didn't want to go through the same situation again and have to wait to see what was going to happen. I didn't want to leave my future in the hands of others.

"I wanted to make my own decision for myself and my family. Even though I heard [in the media] that the league had accepted everything and that everything was OK for me to come back, there were still a lot of other things missing.

"I heard that they had to sell players or lower the salaries of players and I didn't want to go through that, nor be responsible or have anything to do with all that.

"When I had to leave, they also said that LaLiga had accepted everything, but in the end it couldn't be done. I was afraid that the same thing would happen again and I would have to rush [a decision] like I did then."

[ In 2021, Lionel Messi had reached an agreement for a contract extension with Barcelona. However, just one week before the start of the season, it became apparent that Barcelona could not meet the financial requirements set by LaLiga to register the deal. As a result, Messi was forced to swiftly seek an alternative outside the club he had called home for two decades. Eventually, he found a new team PSG, where he achieved consecutive Ligue 1 titles. Despite his triumph in winning the World Cup with Argentina, Messi admitted that the past two years had posed significant challenges for him. ]

Here's How Messi Announced He is Leaving European Football and Moving to Miami!

"I made the decision that I'm going to go to Miami, I still haven't closed it  100%. I'm still missing a few things, but we decided to go ahead. I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more about my family."

"After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was time to go to the U.S. league to experience football in a different way and enjoy the day-to-day," Messi said.

"Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to want to win and to always do things well. But with more peace of mind."

Benefits of Messi Joining Inter Miami

This transfer represents a significant victory for MLS, as the league proudly welcomes Lionel Messi.

Here's What MLS Tweeted:

The 🐐 is coming. Millions of MLS fans all over the world welcome you, Leo.

Follow along for more. 👀 pic.twitter.com/NLzkatvwrC

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 7, 2023

"Source tells", Messi had wanted to go to a club where he could eventually have an ownership stake, and his contract is expected to pave the way for him to do so after he retires.

Furthermore, Messi will have the opportunity to benefit financially from Apple TV's MLS Season Pass, which broadcasts MLS games. He will also be able to leverage his existing sponsorship agreement with Adidas to maximize his earnings.

MLS, on the other hand, receives a fixed annual fee of approximately $250 million from Apple until a certain subscription threshold is reached. Beyond that point, MLS will start earning a portion of the revenue generated by those subscriptions.

Given Messi's global recognition as the most renowned soccer player, his move to MLS is expected to attract a significant number of viewers to the Apple TV streaming platform, contributing to its growth and success.

Inter Miami in MLS

Inter Miami is co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who was one of the first major European stars to move to the United States to play in the MLS, winning the MLS Cup twice with Los Angeles Galaxy.

However, Messi faces a challenging task ahead in Miami, as Inter Miami currently finds themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, trailing by six points from the ninth-place position, which grants a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

The club recently made the decision to part ways with coach Phil Neville following a disappointing run of 10 defeats and five wins this season. This performance is a significant contrast to the previous season, where they finished sixth and secured a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Messi's arrival brings renewed hope and expectations for Inter Miami as they strive to turn their season around and regain their competitive edge.

Conclusion:

Messi's declaration of joining Inter Miami in MLS has undoubtedly turned the football world on its head. The game-changer has set the stage for an extraordinary chapter in his career, while simultaneously propelling Inter Miami and MLS into the global spotlight. As fans eagerly anticipate Messi's arrival in the United States, the excitement surrounding the league's future reaches unprecedented levels. It's a momentous occasion that will shape the trajectory of American soccer and leave an indelible mark on the history of MLS.