Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Debut: When Will Argentine Star Play in the MLS?

Inter Miami CF, a Major League Soccer team, is making plans for Lionel Messi's debut on July 21 in a Leagues Cup match against Liga MX's Cruz Azul, according to owner Jorge Mas.

Although Messi, 35, has expressed his intention to sign with Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the deal has yet to be finalized, per ESPN.

During an interview with reporters, Mas stated that the club would not receive direct subsidies from MLS and that no rules would be changed to accommodate Messi on Inter Miami's roster.

The team intends for Messi to debut at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, against the Mexican side on July 21.

Preparations are underway for Messi's arrival, including expanding the stadium's capacity by adding approximately 3,000 seats to accommodate 22,000 spectators.

To protect the players, enhanced security measures will also be implemented for home and away games.

The Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, recently expressed his eagerness and readiness to face this new challenge after rejecting Barcelona and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal's offers.

Mas thinks Messi's entry will drastically improve MLS and advises other club owners to do the same.

Lionel Messi Contract Details

New details are emerging regarding Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami in the MLS. As anticipated, it proves to be a unique arrangement.

Currently, Messi is engaged in discussions with two prominent partners of the MLS, namely Apple and Adidas, regarding specific deals with them.

Inter Miami owner has disclosed that Messi's yearly earnings will amount to approximately $60 million.

This includes his salary, ownership stake in Inter Miami, and a signing bonus. The contract commencing on July 1, 2023, is set to run until late December 2025.

Additionally, Lionel Messi will not have the option to join a European team on loan during the off-season, dashing any hopes of a final farewell with Barcelona, per NBS Sports.

This provision effectively concludes the possibility of a temporary return to his former club.

Lionel Messi's Carrer

Lionel Messi, Argentina's highly acclaimed football player, has made remarkable strides throughout his career.

From the early stages of his journey, Messi quickly gained recognition after making his debut for Barcelona FC at the tender age of 17. His exceptional talent propelled him to the forefront of the football world.

At 22, he achieved his first Ballon d'Or award, which he would win for four consecutive years. Messi's incredible tenure at Barcelona spanned over an impressive 16 years.

However, in 2020, Barcelona faced financial difficulties that hindered its ability to meet Messi's salary requirements. Consequently, in 2021, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he embarked on the next chapter of his illustrious career.

In a significant announcement, Messi declared that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar would be his final participation in the tournament, igniting speculation about his future destination.

Reports began to emerge that Messi had chosen to sign with the Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, declining an offer from Saudi Arabia.

During an interview with the Spanish publication Sport, Messi confirmed his decision to join Miami, expressing his commitment to embracing this new chapter in his career. While some details are finalized, his intention to join Inter Miami remains steadfast.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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