Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami signing official as MLS debut nears

Miami is finally the official home of Messi.

Inter Miami CF announced Saturday what has long been known: That international soccer superstar Lionel Messi has signed and is expected to join the MLS team soon, possibly debuting as early as Friday against Mexico City-based Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said in a statement. “This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”

Messi, 36, is a seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or trophy – regarded as the highest individual honor in men’s soccer – and captain of reigning World Cup champion Argentina.

“In 2018, we made a promise to build an ambitious club that would attract the world’s elite players,” Inter Miami CF managing owner Jorge Mas said in a statement. “A club that would transform the global view of fútbol in the United States and ensure that wherever fútbol is discussed, your Inter Miami is part of the conversation. A heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality.”

Messi’s contract runs through 2025 and reportedly will pay him between $50 and $60 million per year, putting the minimum total value of the contract at around $125 million.

He first announced his intention to join the club about five weeks ago.

Miami announced Messi’s arrival on social media with a video in which his name was spray painted on a wall in the middle of the pitch.

He will formally be introduced at the stadium later tonight, will hold a press conference Monday and will practice Tuesday.

“We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America,” commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a League of Choice for the best players in the game.”

Messi spent most of his club career playing for Barcelona of La Liga in Spain but most recently played for Paris Saint-Germain in France, accumulating 496 goals since 2004.

One of the most recognizable athletes in Europe, Messi was able to fly mostly under the radar in his new home last week when he went grocery shopping at a Publix but stopped for selfies with some fans.  

Messi will join a last-place team in the Eastern Conference but with a fresh start ahead because Friday marks the start of the Leagues Cup – a new North American tournament in which MLS and Mexico-based Liga MX teams pause their seasons until Aug. 19 to determine which three quality for the 2024 Conacaf Champions Club.