Footballing great Lionel Messi has called time on his playing days in Europe and announced he is to sign for Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.
“I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi said.
“I still haven’t closed it one hundred per cent. I’m missing some things, but we decided to continue on the path.”
Messi had been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, a league which already features long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Miami is co-owned by former Manchester United star David Beckham and was founded in 2018.
The club recently sacked former United player Phil Neville as head coach and currently sits bottom of the Eastern Conference.
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023
The World Cup-winning Argentine has accomplished everything any player could achieve in Europe.
Having amassed over a thousand goal contributions and 43 career trophies, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has created a legacy that will last forever.
• 1,037 career games
• 806 career goals
• 303 club assists
• 102 senior international goals
• 43 career trophiesMessi has accomplished everything that there is to win in world football ? pic.twitter.com/p6IhE17m1Q
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 7, 2023
The 35-year-old is regarded as the greatest to kick a football and has been playing in France since 2021, plying his trade with Paris St. Germain.
He enjoyed back-to-back League 1 victories and success in the 2022 Trophée des Champions. He supplied 67 goal contributions in only 75 appearances for the French giants.
His departure was officially communicated by Galtier at a press conference last week."I will take away that I have had the privilege of coaching the best football player ever, Leo Messi,” said Galtier in remarks published on the club’s website, psg.fr.
Lionel Messi leaves Europe having scored more goals in the top five leagues than any other player (???) ? pic.twitter.com/dApEKG8Q32
— LiveScore (@livescore) June 7, 2023
The colossal deal is reportedly set to provide a share of Apple's revenue generated by the MLS Season Pass and a share of Adidas profits from his MLS arrival.
Furthermore, when he retires, he will be provided with an option to buy a new MLS club.
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