Soccer star Lionel Messi, 35, announced Wednesday that he is planning on signing a contract with Miami’s Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami CF, in what could be the biggest signing in MLS history.
Considered by many to be the world’s best soccer player, Messi confirmed reports from earlier in the day that speculated he was considering a move to Miami. Fresh off a World Cup win with Argentina in Qatar last year, he most recently played with Paris Saint-Germain in France. The news is widely expected to boost attendance and viewership of Major League Soccer.
“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi told reporters. “After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more.”
“Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”
Miami is co-owned by David Beckham, who left Real Madrid to play for L.A. Galaxy in 2007 — another major signing for MLS. Before Messi’s announcement, it was reported that he was also considering a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, ESPN reported.
The deal, if it goes through as reported, would be one of the biggest in MLS history. Portions of the deal that have been reported include Messi receiving a cut from Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service, which debuted this year, the option to purchase an ownership stake in the club after his career as a player, a collaboration with Adidas, and a potential exception to MLS’ salary rules, according to The New York Times.
“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” MLS said in a statement. “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”
Since reports surfaced that the star was expected to come to America, ticket prices for Miami matches have skyrocketed. Forbes reported that secondary market tickets for Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Mexican team Cruz Azul on July 21 — which would likely be Messi’s first — rose from $30 to $512. The club’s match against the New York Red Bulls on August 26 rose from $81 to $599, according to reporting from TickPick.
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Barcelona, Messi’s former team, reportedly tried to get the star back after his two-year stint at PSG, but couldn’t make it work financially, sources told ESPN. Messi has seven Ballon d’Or trophies and was named the best men’s player at The Best FIFA Football Awards this year, his second time clinching that title.