Legendary forward Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami in the next MLS season and the Argentine will make an official announcement in the next few hours.
In a massive heartbreak for Barcelona fans, legendary forward Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami in the next Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to confirm the news and added that an official announcement from the former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star will be made in the next few hours.
"Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours #InterMiami.ย Messi will play in MLS next season. No more chances for Barcelona despite trying to make it happen," Romano stated on Twitter.
๐จ๐จ BREAKING: Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours
๐บ๐ธ Messi will play in MLS next season. No more chances for Barcelona despite trying to make it happen.
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/UYqemodrxk
Messi has been the subject of much speculation on the matter in recent days, with Barcelona, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami all interested in securing the Argentine's services ahead of next season. However, the David Beckham co-owned side have got the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Argentina's World Cup 2022-winning captain was eager to finalise his choice this week, even though father and agent Jorge Messi on Monday indicated his son intended to play for Barcelona next season. Barcelona was unable to assure Messi that they would be able to sign him for the upcoming season due to their salary cap limits, which seems to have been the deciding factor.
According to reports,ย Inter Miami's landmark deal with Messi will include a percentage of the money that sponsors of the league will make from his arrival. The former PSG star will earn money from both Adidas and Apple TV as part of the agreement.
Al-Hilal were also interested in a deal, but Messi has chosen Miami because it is a more family-friendly city and the culture shock for his three children and partner Antonella Roccuzzo won't be as severe there. Despite numerous public declarations from different Barcelona officials, Messi's desire to close a deal and their reluctance to provide him with guarantees have prevented the Blaugrana from pulling off a spectacular comeback.
Here's a look at how fans reacted to the news of Messi snubbing Barcelona to join Inter Miami:
It was a good ride. Will always be grateful for your time here. Leyenda๐ฅบ๐ซถ๐ซถ https://t.co/Tfbry3jcnt pic.twitter.com/2Bkej3U7Rk
โ ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐ (@playitcool03)Messi my GOAT is finished ๐ฅน https://t.co/5wlWuE3ctN
โ SammieDee (@Dee01Sammie)The greatest footballer the beautiful game has ever seen, blessed to have been able to watch him orchestrate and decide football games all on his own. Europe will miss you hermano! ๐ฅฒ https://t.co/Q6cGe1P7UI pic.twitter.com/Kb7SIcdMia
โ B3R1lN (@B3R1lN)Thank you for everything๐pic.twitter.com/eLQwjEtBf0 https://t.co/sHbneuI51Y
โ Culers Media (@lewyball)Messi has snubbed Barcelona for Inter Miami.
He turned down an offer of โฌ1B for 2 years in Saudi.
He's going to work with David Beckham in the MLS. pic.twitter.com/jLjjn4GUEJ
Messi To Inter Miami๐บ๐ธ
Becoming First Ever Player To Bring Ballon D'or To USA๐บ๐ธ
Playing One Full Season With Inter Miami๐บ๐ธ
Get Loaned Backed To Barcelona๐ช๐ธ
Winning Another UCL With Barcelona๐ช๐ธ pic.twitter.com/VAGLBanZGQ
Did Messi not see Barcelona fans chanting โMessi, Messiโ in the 10th minute in every match? pic.twitter.com/pMs832Gd7s
โ Berneese (@the_berneese_)Eu realmente pensei que ele iria pro Barcelona. Caralho rapaziada, que tristeza ๐ pic.twitter.com/RwDAK3gkhU
โ LM10 Brasil (@MessiLeoBrasil)Barcelona fans are still waiting for Lionel Messi's return. pic.twitter.com/FW6G4TZ4PN
โ ๐๐๐ โ๏ธ (@Ziyechman)๐จ๐จ Itโs over! Leo Messi will not return to FC Barcelona! pic.twitter.com/yOMzUOOSNv
โ Leo Messi ๐ Fan Club (@WeAreMessi)DEAL DONEโ Lionel Messi has signed a 2 year deal with Inter Miami. Barcelona didnโt offer the 35 year old a contract and Messi has turned down an offer of โฌ1B for 2 seasons in the Saudi League.. The MLS awaits for Lionel๐บ๐ธ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/xXqkinPToj
โ Transfers (@Transfers)Messi snubs Barcelona.
Inter Miami Next destination! pic.twitter.com/hBorq0xeYq