Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, has signed a contract agreement with Inter Miami CF through 2025, the Major League Soccer team announced on Saturday.
The Argentine superstar, who will occupy a Designated Player slot, is expected to join the team in the coming days, and his contract will run through the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Messi, who will be unveiled by the squad on Sunday, is expected to join Inter Miami on the field as soon as Friday.
Inter Miami CF Managing Owner, Jorge Mas said that “I am honored to welcome Leo Messi and his family to their new home.
“In 2018, we made a promise to build an ambitious club that would attract the world’s elite players. A club that would transform the global view of fútbol in the United States and ensure that wherever fútbol is discussed, your Inter Miami is part of the conversation.
“A heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said “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. 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,” Messi said.
Messi is scheduled to make his MLS debut on Friday when Inter Miami hosts Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a new competition between MLS and Mexican league teams.
It’s the most significant boost for the North American League since English great David Beckham, who is now a co-owner of Inter Miami, joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. After years of searching for a stadium location, he created the MLS team in 2020.
David Beckham said “Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
“Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
“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.”
