Lionel Messi to sign with Inter Miami

[peppertree]

Messi’s future is decided: the Argentine legend will sign with Inter Miami.

The football superstar announced his decision in an interview with sports media MundoDeportivo and Sport on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Argentine time.

“I’ve taken the decision that I’m going to Miami,” Messi told his interviewers. “It’s not a 100% done deal. I’m missing a few things, but we’ve decided to continue that path.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain player will discard a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia and become the latest addition to the US Major League Soccer as a free agent, according to the BBC.

If the agreement goes through, the 35-year-old captain of the Argentine squad will play outside of Europe for the first time ever since he entered the Barça football school at the age of 13 to later become the team’s top scorer with 672 goals.

At: https://buenosairesherald.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-sign-with-inter-miami-media-report

Legendary Argentine football forward Lionel Messi celebrates his country's World Cup win in Qatar last December.

Messi reportedly turned down a half billion-dollar offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, and instead opted to sign with Inter Miami - co-owned by England’s former captain David Beckham.

[notemason]

1. Maybe as a player/coach?

Current coach is really struggling. Signs in stands demanding his release.

[peacebuzzard]

2. Pele was the first big name player in the U.S.

and helped start up U.S. interest in soccer.

Steven Gerrard is another big-name player to accept a west coast offer in the U.S. and in addition most recently also refused the Saudi offers to opt for Liverpool, I think he took that job after his Ranger Manager career.

I saw an internet video on Gerrard dealing with the low energy of the U.S. soccer world and how his career on U.S. soil was short-lived.

Maybe Messi in Miami will find much better vibes; he will certainly be welcomed like a king in South FL.

[johndenny251]

3. yeah

us here he comes

[marble falls]

4. Said well you did.

[FSogol]

5. LOL or is that OLL? n/t

[marble falls]

6. If they don't contribute, we gets to ribs them.

[peppertree]

8. Here's hoping he does well, and that he and Antonella are happy

Can't say I'm too pleased he'll be playing for the right-wing Mas brothers (who control Inter Miami) - but Messi's always been careful to stay away from politics, as much as he could anyway.

This is a good habit he picked up in Argentina - where even the rain is political ("it's not raining because God wants the Peronists to lose - ha, ha!" ). Any comments for or against this or that politician or initiative would've quickly turned millions against him.

And in today's political climate here in the U.S., I think he'd do well to stick to that policy. I'm sure he will.