Argentina forward Lionel Messi has signed for American MLS facet Inter Miami on a deal that runs until 2025.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 36, left French champions Paris St-Germain on the finish of the 2022-23 season.
“I’m very excited to start out this subsequent step in my profession with Inter Miami and within the United States,” mentioned Messi, who led his nation as they gained the World Cup in Qatar final 12 months.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham mentioned the signing was a “dream come true”.
Messi, who has not beforehand performed for a membership facet exterior Europe, added: “This is a unbelievable alternative and collectively we are going to proceed to construct this stunning challenge.
“The thought is to work collectively to realize the goals we set and I’m very keen to start out serving to right here in my new dwelling.”
On securing the providers of a participant anticipated to win one other Ballon d’Or this 12 months, Beckham mentioned: “10 years in the past, after I began my journey to construct a brand new workforce in Miami, I mentioned that I dreamed of bringing the best gamers on the earth to this superb metropolis.
“[I wanted] gamers who shared the ambition I had after I joined LA Galaxy, to assist develop soccer within the USA and to construct a legacy for the following technology on this sport that we love a lot.
“Today that dream got here true. I could not be prouder {that a} participant of Leo’s calibre is becoming a member of our membership, however I’m additionally delighted to welcome an excellent good friend, a tremendous individual and his stunning household to affix our Inter Miami group.
“The subsequent part of our journey begins her, and I can not wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
Messi will likely be obtainable to play for Miami towards LIGA MX facet Cruz Azul on 21 July of their opening match of Leagues Cup.
“We are overjoyed that the best participant on the earth selected Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, and his determination is a testomony to the momentum and vitality behind our league and our sport in North America,” mentioned MLS commissioner Don Garber.
“We have little question that Lionel will present the world that MLS could be a league of alternative for one of the best gamers within the recreation. We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup event later this month.”
Messi gained the final of his seven Ballon d’Or awards for the world’s greatest participant in 2021 and will win it once more later this 12 months after main Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar in 2022.
He scored 32 objectives in 75 video games for PSG and ended final season with 16 objectives and 16 assists in Ligue 1.
Messi joined the French facet in 2021 after spending 21 years with Barcelona.
Messi is Barca’s report scorer with 672 objectives and gained 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions Leagues and 7 Spanish Cups.
