Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players the world has ever known, is nearing an agreement with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, according to a report by Times Sport on Sunday.
The deal would make him the highest-paid player in MLS history as his current contract, which pays him roughly $1.25 million per week, with French giants Paris Saint-German expires at the end of the 2022-23 season this May.
Messi would make the move to the United States and the David Beckham-owned club after that. Times Sport added that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar, who also captained England at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, was “key to the deal.” He is a Qatari ambassador at the World Cup, possesses a relationship with PSG ownership after spending the latter portion of his career there, and like Messi, has a deal with Adidas.
Per the report, PSG could attempt to bring Messi back and their willingness to do so could even hinge on whether or not he lifts the World Cup next month with Argentina. The Argentinian talisman owns a home in Miami and has often spoken about how he wants to play in the United States.
“I always said that I have the impression that I would like to enjoy the experience of living in the United States, of living in that league and that life,” he said back in 2020.
The 35-year-old was brilliant for Argentina on Saturday in a 2-0 win against Mexico, recording a goal and assist to keep his side alive in Qatar after a shock loss to Saudi Arabia. Despite this being the twilight of his career, he easily be the largest star ever to play for MLS and would far and away be the best player in the league upon his arrival.
His list of records is lengthy, most notably winning the most Ballon d’Ors with seven while owning La Liga records during his two-decade stay with Barcelona. He has also recorded over 785 career goals for club country.
