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Lionel Messi is coming to America. Fabrizio Romano, the Italian soccer journalist who has come to dominate the so-called “transfer season” where the greatest footballers change teams, tweeted on Wednesday that “the decision has been made” and Messi himself will announce his move to the MLS franchise Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, in the coming hours. It included a picture of Messi in a club polo shirt, wearing Miami’s characteristic shade of pink. “Messi will play in MLS next season. No more chances for Barcelona despite trying to make it happen.”
Messi was one of the most decorated players in European football at the club level. Starting at F.C. Barcelona’s youth academy, he spent most of his career at the club before leaving in 2021 to sign with Paris Saint-Germain. In Europe, the 35-year-old won the most prestigious club tournament, the UEFA Champions League, four times. He was recognized as the best player in the world with a record seven Ballon D’or awards, followed only by Portuguese superstar, and close competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo with five.
In the last few months, Saudi Arabia has been luring some of the biggest names in soccer with unprecedentedly expensive contracts. In December, Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr which guaranteed him $210 million a year. On Wednesday, Real Madrid star Karim Benzema signed with Al-Ittihad, Al Nassr’s rival in the Saudi Professional League, on a three-year deal reportedly worth more than $100 million. Chelsea midfielder and World Cup winner Ngolo Kante was also reported to be finalizing a deal with Al-Ittihad for another $100 million.
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