Argentine star, Lionel Messi, has been signed by American professional football club Inter Miami.
Messi penned a two-year deal that will have him remain at the club until 2025.
Messi is expected to make his debut at Inter Miami this coming Friday when the club will host Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
The 36-year-old striker would be officially unveiled by the club on Sunday in a grand ceremony ahead of the club’s match on Friday.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi, who moves from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) said in a statement.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival in Miami has already caused a sensation and is expected to spark greater interest in the game and MLS across the United States.
It’s also hoped he’ll revive the fortunes of a Miami squad at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference at 5-13 with three drawn.
“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,” Messi said.
Messi’s deal with Inter Miami is noted to be the biggest boost for the North American league since English star David Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami, joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
Beckam launched the MLS Miami squad in 2020 after years of trying to find a stadium site.
“Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city, players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much,” Beckham said while reacting to Messi’s signing.
He added: “Today that dream came true.
“I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
“The next phase of our adventure starts here and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”