Lionel Messi wants to play football in the USA for Inter Miami in the future. The league, the media and stars from other sports react enthusiastically to the world champion’s surprising decision.
More important than LeBron James’ move to the Miami Heat 13 years ago, even more important than David Beckham’s move to the Los Angeles Galaxy 16 years ago – US media and sports stars are celebrating Lionel Messi’s decision as a future Inter Miami pro as a sensation .
Beckham’s arrival in LA in 2007 “shifted the world’s perception of ambition and quality,” wrote the New York Times. Messi will now “give even more attention to the league in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup”.
“What an incredible move from Miami,” wrote ex-NFL star JJ Watt. “Messi. Wow.” NBA star Trae Young promised a visit to Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo also welcomed the 35-year-old Argentine.
“Obviously the biggest transfer”
The fact that the seven-time Ballon D’Or winner is moving to Miami three years before the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico is one thing – that he is only six months after triumphing with Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar and obviously still is at a very high level but is even more important for Major League Soccer.
“It’s a huge win for everyone involved here in MLS. Our team was also very happy that a player like Messi was coming into the league,” said last season’s top scorer, Berlin’s Hany Mukhtar from Nashville SC, the German Press Agency. “I think that says a lot about the league: that it’s growing.”
“Messi’s decision to play in the United States could be the biggest boost ever for American football at a professional level,” the US news agency AP wrote. Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Thierry Henry and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all played for a US club. “But to get a player who’s barely worse than when he was at his peak just months after lifting the World Cup is just huge.”
“It’s obviously the biggest transfer,” said US international Walker Zimmerman. “It’s a bit reminiscent of when Beckham came in. You see how the league has changed in the 15 years since then and hopefully 15 years from now you’ll see all the growth that’s coming from this addition. I think it’s a great one Matter.”
Paris Saint-Germain contract expires
MLS itself reacted to the impending move and welcomed the prominent arrival for Inter Miami. “We are delighted that Lionel Messi has said he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” the league said in a statement on Wednesday. “Although there is still work to be done to finalize the deal, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest footballers of all time to our league.”
The 35-year-old world champion from Argentina had previously announced his plans in an interview with the two Spanish sports newspapers “Mundo deportivo” and “Sport”. “I’ve decided that I’m going to Miami,” he said.
They are not yet 100 percent in agreement and “a few things still need to be clarified, but we have decided that I will continue on my way there,” he explained. He did not reveal any details, nor anything about a possible contract period with Miami. He can move free of charge, his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires.
Source: Stern
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