Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) kisses the World Cup Trophy after winning the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Soccer: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022-Argentina vs France
(New York, NY) — Lionel Messi is taking his talents to South Beach.
The most coveted free agent in soccer history has a deal in principle to join Inter Miami, according to a report from Guillem Balague. The franchise is partially owned by David Beckham. Messi’s decision to leave European soccer mirrors Beckham’s choice to sign with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
The 35-year-old will officially become a free agent when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30. He was previously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, a league that features stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Messi, fresh off winning the World Cup with Argentina in December, now gets his wish of playing in the United States.
It would be the first time the Barcelona icon has played outside Europe.
News of Messi’s arrival has already sent some ticket prices skyrocketing, with the cheapest available for Miami’s visit to the Los Angeles Football Club on September 3rd costing 400 dollars.
Messi will reportedly earn a portion of the money Apple makes from MLS Season Pass subscriptions and also receive some of the profits Adidas earns from him joining the league.
