Lionel Messi’s move to the United States is now official — the Argentinian talisman and world superstar joining Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
The 35-year-old, who became one of the greatest players of all time with Barcelona, will see his contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain expire on June 30.
That means his debut for Inter Miami could come as soon as July 8 against DC United, but The Athletic reported that a more realistic debut date is July 21 in Leagues Cup action against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
For New York soccer fans, though, when will they be able to see the legend in their own backyard?
Lionel Messi New York dates
Unfortunately for New Yorkers, they’ll have just one chance this season to see Messi locally — and it’s technically in New Jersey.
Inter Miami travels to Harrison, NJ to take on the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets are already at an astronomical price compared to run-of-the-mill MLS matchdays. For example, the cheapest ticket for the Red Bulls’ next home match on June 21 against Charlotte FC stands at $20, per Ticketmaster.
For their match against Inter Miami and Messi, though, tickets start at $316 each.
There will be no Messi in the Bronx this year to face NYCFC. Inter Miami traveled to Yankee Stadium on March 11 and host them on Sept. 30 down in Florida.
MLS Championship odds after Messi’s move to Inter Miami
- LAFC: +400
- FC Cincinnati: +450
- Nashville SC: +750
- Philadelphia Union: +750
- New England Revolution: +1200
- St. Louis City FC: +1400
- Seattle Sounders +1600
- Atlanta United: +1800
- Inter Miami: +2200 (up from +20000)
- Orlando City: +2800
- FC Dallas: +3500
- Columbus Crew: +3500
- San Jose Earthquakes: +3500
- Houston Dynamo: +5000
- NYCFC: +5000
- New York Red Bulls: +6500
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