Soccer icon and 2022 World Cup champion Lionel Messi could be up for grabs to the highest bidder soon, and many executives around MLS expect the Argentinian legend to be playing in the United States this year.
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players who has ever taken to the pitch and touched a soccer ball. Even at 35 years old, he is still an elite talent and proved that in guiding Argentina to an impressive World Cup victory in 2022.
Currently, he is one of the trio of superstars on the Paris Saint-Germain roster for 2023. However, his tenure with the top team in Ligue 1 could soon be coming to an end. After signing a two-year deal with the club in the summer of 2021, both sides have yet to agree to new terms to extend his contract.
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It has led to various reports of suitors from around the world interested in acquiring the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Including a $300 million bid from a club in Saudi Arabia and possible ownership of an MLS club.
Well, it seems that executives around the United States’ top soccer league believe that the latter rumor is smoke that has some serious fire to it.
Many MLS execs expect Lionel Messi to join Inter Miami CF in 2023
Last week, ahead of the start of the 2023 MLS season this past weekend, The Athletic polled executives from around the league on various topics, including best value contract and most underrated player. However, one topic posed to the MLS decision-makers was if Inter Miami will actually sign Messi, as rumors suggested last year, and if will add him to the roster for this season.
Of the 20 execs they spoke with, not only did nearly half expect Inter Miami CF to sign Lionel Messi, they expected it to happen this year. Meaning one of the three best soccer players of all time could be joining the MLS while still at the height of his powers.
It would not only be a major coup for Miami, but also for the league. Plus it would come at a perfect time as MLS continues to make headway in the US and is expected to add a 30th franchise soon.
In May of last year, it was reported Messi would join Inter Miami and possibly gain a 35% ownership stake in the club.