Transfers: What does Lionel Messi’s move mean for Inter Miami and MLS?
July 16, 2023 at 9:39 pm,
No comments
Former Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi sealed a move to Major League Soccer
this year, turning down a new contract from PSG to sign for Inter Miami. The 2022 World Cup
winner signed a contract with the Herons for 2.5 years and he is expected to earn between $50
million and $60 million annually.
Lionel Messi’s move to the United States has been in the works for some time and David Beckham finally lured the Argentine to America. Inter Miami was also quick to reunite Lionel Messi with Sergio Busquets, as the latter signed a deal running through 2025. Inter Miami would be needing Messi’s brilliance on the pitch very soon but they have felt his effect already with their social media interactions increasing by over 20% in the last few weeks. Jordi Alba became the latest player to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and he formed a brilliant partnership with him at FC Barcelona.
There have been talks of other players moving to Major League Soccer and one name that has often been mentioned is Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez. The former Liverpool forward has been in good form for Gremio this season and he has often talked about spending his last playing days with Lionel Messi. Inter Miami hired Gerardo Martino as part of their squad revamping and he has worked with Lionel Messi previously at club and country level.
Inter Miami is bottom of the Eastern Conference League and they are the worst side in the Supporters Shield this year. There’s a lot of work to do for Gerardo Martino’s team but with the quality of players signing for the team, they can get a respectable finish in the league this season. Lionel Messi’s move to the United States would make the league more popular and Neymar Jr believes that this move is a very important one for Major League Soccer.
“I believe the league will become more popular and everyone has to take advantage of Leo. We have to enjoy watching him play because unfortunately, everything comes to an end” the Brazilian forward said in an interview.
With Lionel Messi and Co. signing for Inter Miami, the league is expected to grow in a few years and Gerardo Martino should have his job easier with a better team.