Lionel Messi has made the decision to join Inter Miami, dealing a blow to Barcelona’s hopes of bringing the World Cup winner back to Camp Nou. Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire on June 30, making him a free agent. Barcelona confirmed his departure before the final game of the Ligue 1 season, sparking intense speculation about his next destination. While Barcelona made public attempts to secure his return, it appears that the 35-year-old Argentine star will be heading to America for the next chapter of his career.
Inter Miami emerged as the winners in the race to sign Messi, thanks in part to the support of commercial partners Apple and adidas. Reports indicate that Messi will receive a share of revenue from Apple TV+’s MLS Season Pass, while adidas has offered a profit-sharing agreement to further strengthen their long-standing relationship.
Messi’s father recently acknowledged that his son had a preference for returning to Barcelona. However, the club’s precarious financial situation ultimately prevented a final deal from materializing. Barcelona has seen several key players, including Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, depart since the beginning of the year. The club needs to significantly reduce its wage bill before it can register any new players. As for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, they will have to wait until at least 2024 to rekindle their interest in Messi, as the forward has asked to postpone any potential move to the Middle East while he assesses his options after leaving PSG.
There are reports that Messi could make his debut for Inter Miami as early as July 21, potentially facing Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. Javier Morales is currently leading the squad on an interim basis, but Tata Martino, one of Messi’s former managers at Barcelona and Argentina, is the frontrunner to succeed Phil Neville, who was recently sacked as head coach.
