All eyes on Inter Miami! Lionel Messi’s PSG contract expires as the football world waits for superstar’s imminent MLS move to be made official…as Barcelona prepares its testimonial
- Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain has officially expired
- Confirmation of Messi’s move to Miami, though a formality, is yet to come
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The football world is eagerly awaiting what Inter Miami will announce, with the arrival of Lionel Messi to the club expected to be officially confirmed now that his deal with Paris Saint-Germain has come to an end.
The Argentine superstar confirmed in early June that he will be moving to the MLS team that David Beckham co-owns, but an official announcement with a finalized deal, albeit a formality, is yet to come.
He remained under contract with French giants PSG until June 30, making him a free agent today.
In a statement with Mundo Deportivo on June 7, Messi said: “I’m not going back to Barcelona, I’m going to Inter Miami.
“I’ve made the decision that I’m going to Miami. I still haven’t closed it one hundred percent. I miss some things, but we decided to continue on the same path.
Lionel Messi’s deal with French football giant Paris Saint-Germain has officially ended
The Argentine superstar has confirmed he will be moving to Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham
“If the Barcelona thing didn’t come out, I wanted to leave Europe, step out of the limelight and think more in my family.”
MLS commissioner Don Garber sparked excitement on Friday by saying the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be announced as an Inter Miami player ‘very soon’.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Garber said: “We are continuing to work to finalize all aspects of our agreement and look forward to making some announcements soon.
‘Couldn’t be more excited – the best player to ever play the game and chose Major League Soccer as his league of choice.
“I think it’s a great testament to where MLS stands in the global football landscape. Also a great testament to Inter Miami, their ambition and what they are trying to do to build the sport in the southern part of Florida.
“He (Messi) is very supportive, passionate – it’s going to be a great moment for football in North America.”
Miami needs to pick up points and fast. They will host Austin in MLS tonight following the arrival of new head coach Tata Martino.
Miami are last in the Eastern Conference, 11 points behind the playoffs, have lost their last seven MLS games and have a miserable tally of 15 points from 18 games.
MLS commissioner Don Garber gave a confident update on Messi’s move to America on Friday
Messi’s debut is expected to take place in the Cup on July 21.
As fans await confirmation of Messi’s move to Miami, Barcelona are planning the club legend’s testimonial.
The 36-year-old had all but ruled out a move to the US after his family set their sights on a fairytale return to Barcelona, but that became impossible due to the club’s financial situation. offer above the astronomical amounts proposed by Al-Hilal.
Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo reportedly do not want to settle in Saudi Arabia
Messi looked devastated when he parted ways with Barcelona in 2021, but he could get a testimonial
But Messi would finally have the chance to properly say goodbye to his beloved Barcelona.
He is still troubled by the summer of 2021, when he returned from his holiday in Ibiza to sign a new contract with Barcelona, but the Catalan club was told it had been taken off the table due to financial problems.
‘I agreed with them [Messi’s representatives] to pay tribute. The opening day of Spotify Camp Nou would be an excellent date,” said Barcelona president Joan Laporta TV3.
Messi wanted to return to Barcelona. He had a hard time in Paris. His dad told me he didn’t want the pressure. We, the Barca fans, respect that. May he do well in Miami.”