Lionel Messi shocked the sporting world Wednesday with the stunning news that he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain to play for the Major League Soccer team in Miami called Inter Miami CF.
He broke the story himself while doing an interview with two Spanish publications called Mundo Deportivo and Sport. The news was confirmed by the MLS on social media, so brace yourself South Florida; the biggest star in soccer is coming your way.
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“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 was already on the Mount Rushmore of soccer legends and enhanced his status by leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. Reports said he had offers to play for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal that would have paid him in the high nine figures, but he decided the opportunity to live and play in the United States trumps all else.
“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.”
Messi isn’t stupid. He will still make a fortune playing in America, and ESPN is reporting that part of his deal involved ownership in the Miami team that fellow icon David Beckham owns. ESPN also reported that Messi would receive a revenue cut from Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
When Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy, it was a big deal. But it is nothing compared to the magnitude of this stunning announcement.
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