Lionel Messi confirms MLS move: âI made the decision that Iâm going to go to Miamiâ
Lionel Messi confirmed Wednesday he will sign with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
Messi, perhaps the most coveted free agent in soccer history, announced his move in an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport.
“I made the decision that I’m going to Miami,” he said. “It is not finalized 100 percent. There are a few things left, but we decided to continue down this path. If Barcelona didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more about myself.”
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Inter Miami plays at Birmingham Legion on Tuesday night.
Published reports earlier in the day indicated the Argentine star was headed for the MLS.
Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s president, even teased fans with a tweet of a Messi jersey.
The Athletic reported Tuesday that Apple – in the form of compensation to Messi – would offer a share of revenue generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+, along with help from Adidas offering a profit-sharing agreement.
Messi, 35, leaves PSG this month when his contract expires after two seasons.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.