Lionel Messi officially signs with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami became official on Sunday (AEST), and his highly anticipated MLS debut will likely occur next weekend against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Messi, who turned 36 on 24 June, announced on 7 June that he would be joining Miami after his exit from Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain.
His contract with Miami will run through the end of the 2025 season and is reportedly worth up to $88 million per year.
"I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States," Messi said.
"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."
Inter Miami is co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, who 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 calibre 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.”
Messi led Argentina to its first FIFA World Cup success since 1986 in Qatar last year, and the Barcelona great has won the Ballon d'Or trophy a record seven times.
“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,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.
“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.
“We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”