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Inter Miami sign Lionel Messi until 2025
Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine forward, has joined Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami on a contract that extends until 2025.
The 36-year-old, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, departed Paris St-Germain, the French champions, following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” said Messi, who led his country as they won the World Cup in Qatar last year.
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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham expressed that the signing of Lionel Messi was a “dream come true.” Messi, who has exclusively played for European club sides in the past, added:
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
On securing the services of a player expected to win another Ballon d’Or this year, Beckham said: “10 years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamed of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
“[I wanted] players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy, to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
“Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
“The next phase of our adventure starts her, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
Messi is set to make his debut for Miami in their opening match of the Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul, a LIGA MX side, on July 21.
“We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our league and our sport in North America,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber.
“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game. We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”