Lionel Messi has LANDED in Miami! The world’s greatest soccer player arrives to conclude his MLS transfer and usher in a new era in the United States.
Lionel Messi has arrived in Miami to finalize his transfer to Major League Soccer.
It is anticipated that he will sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami, with an option for a third season with David Beckham’s team.
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Beckham’s Miami team, estimates that Messi will earn between $50 million and $60 million per year, with money contributed by adidas through Miami sgirt sales and Apple TV, which owns MLS subscription rights.
He has been on vacation with his wife Antonieta and their three sons in the Caribbean. The family was photographed at Miami International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, while Miami fans congregated outside DRV PNK Stadium to celebrate the historic move.
The 36-year-old Argentina World Cup champion will be officially unveiled by Miami on Sunday evening and is expected to make his Leagues Cup debut on Thursday, July 21 against Cruz Azul.
Lionel Messi has landed in Miami to complete his stunning move to Major League Soccer
The 36-year-old Messi arrives in the United States as a World Cup winner with Argentina
Fans gathered outside Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium to celebrate Messi’s imminent arrival
Messi’s arrival will galvanize interest both in soccer across America and Miami itself
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Fans waited outside if DRV Pink Stadium Tuesday as Messi was set to arrive in South Florida
Messi is set to reunite with ex-Barca teammate Sergio Busquets in MLS, as well as Jordi Alba
He will also reunite with Tata Martino, his former mentor at both Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Martino was recently named Miami’s head coach.
Saturday night’s matchup with the Western Conference’s best team, St. Louis, could make matters worse before they improve.
Tata Martino, who previously coached Lionel Messi at Barcelona, will lead the team for the first time in that match.
Jordi Alba, a former teammate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, is set to join the Miami Dolphins as a defender. This is yet another noteworthy decision by the team.
Miami is also in talks to sign free agent Sergio Ramos, who, like Messi, departed PSG when his contract expired this summer.
As leaders of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Ramos and Messi were once bitter rivals, but they became unlikely comrades in France.
Messi’s entrance crowns what should be a golden period for soccer in the United States over the next few years.
Next summer, the country will host the Copa America 2024 and the World Cup 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada.