Lionel Messi has officially joined Inter Miami after leaving French champions Paris Saint-Germain following two seasons at the club.
Inter Miami CF have officially confirmed the signing of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, for a two-and-a-half-year deal worth up to 60 million Euros per year.
Messi’s contract became official on Saturday, a little more than five weeks after he declared he would be joining Inter Miami, with his unveiling set for Sunday at the club’s stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Reports suggest the terms of the contract between the former PSG forward and his new American club includes an option for part-ownership of Inter Miami at the end of his contract in the year 2025.
However, it is unlikely it would be financed by the league as it did to David Beckham when the Englishman, who is now a co-owner of Inter Miami, moved to LA Galaxy in 2007 and was given the option to purchase an MLS team for a discounted price of $25 million.
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas also confirmed it took three years of negotiations to bring the 36-year-old to the club, having also stated that Messi will earn “between £50 million and $60m per year.”
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
Miami confirmed that Messi will first be available for selection in a July 21 Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
