Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion Lionel Messi officially completed his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami CF on a free transfer. The club formally announced the signing on Saturday, July 15, 2023, with a presentation ceremony held the following day. Messi signed a contract with the club that runs through the 2025 MLS season.
Messi joined Inter Miami after allowing his contract with French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to expire. Despite interest from his former club Barcelona (which ultimately fell through due to La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules) and lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, Messi chose the MLS, citing a “fantastic opportunity” to build the “beautiful project” in Miami.
Inter Miami co-owner and former LA Galaxy star David Beckham expressed his elation at the signing, calling it a dream come true that he had envisioned since he started his journey to build the team ten years prior.
“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,” Beckham said.
