Argentina national team superstar Lionel Messi has revealed his reasons for choosing to join Inter Miami in the United States, rather than returning to Barcelona or moving to Saudi Arabia, according to rumors.
“I have made the decision that I will go to Miami, I don’t have (the deal) 100 per cent yet or maybe there are still (other things) to do, but we have decided to continue our journey there,” Messi said as reported by Tribal Football, Thursday (8/6/2023).
Meanwhile, United States soccer league Major League Soccer (MLS) and Inter Miami confirmed the news on social media, although the league noted “there is still work to finalize a formal agreement” with the Argentina captain.
“After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it’s time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my everyday life more,” Messi said.
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“Obviously, (I’m joining) with the same responsibility and desire to win, and do things (career) well, but more calmly,” he added.
The Argentine striker has spent the last two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and played his last game for the club on Saturday (3/6).
The 35-year-old has moved to PSG and is competing in Ligue 1 after leaving Barcelona in 2021, where he has spent the majority of his career.
Messi is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and is expected to pick up the individual award once more after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in December 2022.
The world of football is eagerly awaiting Messi’s decision after PSG confirmed this week that Messi, widely regarded as the best player in football history, will be leaving the club.
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The romance of returning to Barcelona and the lucrative prospects of wealth in Saudi Arabia dissipated when Messi opted to join MLS.
“If it was a question of money, I would go to Saudi Arabia or somewhere else. My decision was different and not based on money,” said Messi.
Inter Miami, which is co-owned by former England international David Beckham and founded in 2018, sacked coach Phil Neville last week.
Reports say major MLS sponsors including sportswear brand Adidas and Apple TV, which owns the league’s domestic broadcast rights, may contribute to the deal.
