Inter Miami Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, Chris Henderson, has confirmed that the terms have been agreed upon between the club and Argentine forward Lionel Messi. This announcement comes after Messi revealed his intention to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and make a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) earlier this month.
While Messi had mentioned that the deal wasn't finalized completely, Henderson provided an update on the transfer, stating, "With regard to Leo, terms are agreed, but we are working on the paperwork with Major League Soccer." He further added that the paperwork process may take some time but expressed hope that Messi would be ready to join the team by mid- or late-July, depending on the completion of the necessary formalities.
What makes this move even more significant is the previous connection between Messi and the new Inter Miami manager, Tata Martino. The duo had worked together during their time with the Argentina national team, where they achieved notable success, including reaching the final of the 2015 Copa América and the 2016 United States Centennial Cup. They had also coincided at Barcelona during the 2013-2014 season.
Fans and enthusiasts of the sport are eagerly awaiting Messi's debut for Inter Miami, with reports suggesting that he could make his first appearance on July 21. The anticipation is heightened by the fact that Messi is considered one of the greatest players in soccer history and his presence in MLS is expected to have a significant impact on the league's popularity.
In fact, the influence of Messi's imminent arrival is already being felt, as ticket prices for Inter Miami matches have skyrocketed by over 1,000% in the minutes following the news of his potential transfer. This highlights the excitement and buzz surrounding the prospect of witnessing Messi's skills firsthand in the United States.
As the paperwork process continues and the final details are ironed out, Inter Miami fans and soccer enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the official confirmation of Messi's transfer to the MLS. With his unparalleled talent and countless achievements, Messi's arrival in the United States is undoubtedly a milestone moment in the growth and development of soccer in the country.