Update: Lionel Messi confirms that he is joining Inter Miami of MLS, spurning a major offer from Saudi Arabian team.
“I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi told Sport and Mundo Deportivo. “I still haven’t closed it 100 percent. I’m missing some things, but we decided to continue the path.”
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players ever and as the world awaits his decision on what team he’ll play for next season, it’s reportedly all coming down to two choices that would have massive ripple effects on the sport.
Turning 36 years old later this month, the Argentinian forward’s contract with Paris Saint-Gerrmain ended at the conclusion of the season. It’s led to an intense bidding war for his services, including a $400 million offer from Saudi Arabia.
- Lionel Messi career stats: 806 goals, 357 assists
Related: MLS or Barcelona? The stunning question for Lionel Messi
However, the record-breaking offer to become the biggest star in the Saudi Pro League was reportedly rejected. Now, Messi is choosing between two clubs.
According to The Athletic, Messi is deciding between a new deal with Barcelona or coming over to the United States and playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami, owned by a group including David Beckham, Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, has been in the running to sign Messi for a while. While the Saudi Pro League long believed it was the favorite to sign Messi, it appears the situation has shifted.
Lionel Messi deciding between Barcelona, Inter Miami
According to The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio, Felipe Cardenas and Pablo Maurer, MLS and Inter Miami are working to solidify the details of a contract to bring Messi to the United States. Furthermore, there’s a growing belief from MLS officials and Inter Miami executives that the reigning World Cup winner will come over this summer.
Related: Why Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami is increasingly likely
A source who spoke to The Athletic made it clear that the situation is fluid, but Inter Miami and Barcelona are the favorites to sign Messi. If he comes to the United States, Messi’s MLS debut could happen on July 21 against Cruz Azul.
Considering the massive impact Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s brief stint in the MLS had on soccer in the United States, landing Messi would be a historic moment for the MLS and Inter Miami.