Through 2025, Lionel Messi commits to Inter Miami

On Friday, when Inter Miami plays home to Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, Messi is anticipated to make his debut.

The Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami, revealed on Saturday that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has signed a deal with them through 2025.

The 36-year-old striker, who inspired Argentina to victory at the World Cup in Qatar last year, will be introduced by the club on Sunday. Inter Miami expects him to join them on the pitch as early as this coming Friday.

In a statement, Messi, who leaves Paris Saint-Germain, said, “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States.”

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is anticipated to resurrect Miami’s fortunes, who are currently in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a 5-13 record and three draws.

We will continue to develop this amazing idea together, and this is a great opportunity, added Messi. I’m anxious to get started helping here at my new home because the aim is to work together to reach the goals we’ve established.

On Friday, when Inter Miami hosts Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a redesigned competition between teams from the Major League Soccer and the Mexican league, Messi’s debut is anticipated.

The Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2007 signing of English star David Beckham, who is currently a co-owner of Inter Miami, represents the North American League’s biggest boost since that time. After years of looking for a stadium location, he finally created the MLS team in 2020.

“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,” said Beckham in a statement.

“Today, that wish was fulfilled.

“I am overjoyed to welcome a dear friend, an incredible person, and his beautiful family to our Inter Miami community. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our team.

“Our journey continues here, and I can’t wait to watch Leo take the pitch.”