Sports
Summer Transfer: All Routes Point To Miami For Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi reportedly turns down huge offer to join the Saudi Arabia Pro league following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
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According to reports, Lionel Messi is set to join David Beckham owned MLS side, Inter Miami in the U. S.
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This means the Argentine is turning down a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that football legend Lionel Messi, who recently departed French champions Paris St-Germain, is poised to make his next move to the United States, signing with American side Inter Miami.
The Argentine icon has reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal, opting instead for a new chapter in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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The Inter Miami deal has gained traction through collaboration with renowned brands such as Adidas and Apple, making it an enticing prospect for the 35-year-old forward. Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or award a record-breaking seven times, is widely expected to secure the prestigious accolade once again later this year following World Cup success.
This move to Inter Miami marks the first time that the Barcelona icon will play outside of Europe in his illustrious career. Initially, Messi had hoped to continue his football journey within Europe for another season. However, as no satisfactory offers materialized, he faced a clear choice between joining Inter Miami or Al-Hilal.
Despite strong speculation favoring a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would have joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Messi ultimately succumbed to the allure of Major League Soccer.
Factors such as lifestyle and off-field opportunities, including partnerships with prominent brands extending beyond football, played a pivotal role in his decision. Additionally, Messi already owns a house in Miami, which he currently rents out.
Although Messi had expressed his desire to return to Barcelona this summer, the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions set to be enforced in La Liga for the upcoming season made any ambitious plan of bringing him back an impossibility.
While at Paris St-Germain, Messi won the Ligue 1 title in both his seasons with the club. However, their exit from the Champions League at the round of 16 stage resulted in his time in France being viewed as less successful.
During his tenure at Paris St-Germain, Messi recorded 32 goals in 75 appearances, concluding the most recent season with an impressive tally of 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1. After his two-year contract with PSG concluded this summer, both parties mutually agreed to part ways. Notably, Messi had also faced a two-week suspension in May for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
Inter Miami players in the MLS
Messi’s enduring legacy is anchored in his remarkable spell at Barcelona, where he spent 21 years and became the club’s all-time leading scorer with an incredible 672 goals. Alongside his domestic success, he clinched 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Spanish Cups.
Furthermore, Messi achieved the pinnacle of international glory by guiding Argentina to World Cup triumph in December.
With his Barcelona chapter firmly behind him due to the club’s financial constraints, Messi embarks on a new adventure in the MLS with Inter Miami.
FURTHER READING
The football world eagerly anticipates his arrival in the United States, where he will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the league while representing the Florida-based club.
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