One of the all-time greats in football, Lionel Messi, shocked the football community when he revealed he would be joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Many are surprised by this because there were rumors of a possible reunion with Barcelona or a rich contract to play in Saudi Arabia. Messi’s stint in Europe came to an end on Saturday when he played his final game for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he had spent the previous two seasons.
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— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023
Both MLS and Inter Miami themselves verified the news of Messi’s transfer on social media. Formalities and agreement finalization are still waiting, nevertheless.
The 35-year-old Messi’s choice to sign with Major League Soccer represents a new phase in his remarkable career. He expressed a desire to experience football in a different way and enjoy a more relaxed day-to-day life. Messi’s drive and will to succeed are unaffected by the shift.
Messi is anticipated to win a record-breaking ninth Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to World Cup triumph in Qatar in December 2022. After PSG confirmed his departure, football fans worldwide were anxiously anticipating his decision.
Even though Messi had the option of returning to Barcelona or accepting a potentially lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, he chose to spend his vacation in Miami, a city he has enjoyed visiting in the past. The desire for a fresh experience and a different footballing atmosphere appears to be the driving force behind the decision, rather than financial gain.