Lionel Messi Confirms Joining Inter Miami After PSG Exit, Says No to Barcelona and Saudi Arabian Deal

Messi says goodbye to the prospects of reuniting with Barcelona and the riches of Saudi Arabia deal, by opting for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: 2023-06-08 13:29:57

On June 7, Lionel Messi confirmed in an interview with Spanish media that he will sign for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, giving up the enticing deal by Saudi Arabia or Barcelona reunion and going to the United States instead. The 35-year-old Argentine forward played his final game for Paris Saint-German (PSG) on Saturday. He has been with PSG for the last two seasons after moving out in 2021 from Barcelona, which was a major part of his career. Messi stated that given the financial situation in Barcelona, he did not want to wait for them to find a way to be able to sign him.

Previously in a tearful departure, the player had to shift to PSG as Barcelona could not keep him, and Messi feared this will repeat. Thus, he has finally decided to go to Miami though the deal still needs to be completely sealed. But that is the path to follow. He did get offers from other European teams but Messi wanted to be with Barcelona if he has to stay in Europe, which he is going to leave soon. The star football player is looking forward to enjoying his day-to-day life more in a different way and calmly while being with MLS.

Though he could not go back to Barca after the World Cup win, he shares the same desire and responsibility to do things well and win. PSG had earlier confirmed that Messi was departing, and the football world was excitedly waiting for what the best player in the history of soccer would decide. Being a seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, Messi may earn the same title once more after his World Cup glory with Argentina becoming the champions in December 2022 in Qatar. Inter Miami was founded in 2018, and co-owned by David Beckham.

Currently, on an interim basis, Argentine Javier Morales has replaced coach Phil Neville, who was sacked last week. As per a few reports, the contributors to the deal may also include Apple TV, Adidas, and MLS sponsors, the ones who hold the domestic broadcasting rights of the league. Thus, with Messi choosing MLS over Barcelona this time, the prospect of Saudi Arabian riches ends, as the star revisits Miami city, where he had previously holidayed several times.