Major League Soccer club Inter Miami are growing increasingly confident of signing Lionel Messi, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
At 35 years of age, Messi remains one of the best players in the world. He has been one of Europe’s top performers this season, scoring 12 and assisting 13 in 17 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has less than a year left on his contract, and it is believed that he will make a decision on his future after the World Cup. PSG want him to renew, while former club Barcelona are also working on a deal to bring him back to the Camp Nou.
But there is another offer on the table. According to David Ornstein, MLS side Inter Miami are leading the race to sign the forward.
The Florida-based club were founded in 2018 by English superstar David Beckham. They have attracted some big names in their brief history, such as former Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain, World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, and current manager Phil Neville.
But Messi would be a completely different level. He would arguably be the biggest coup in the history of US football, competing with the likes of Pele and Beckham himself.
Is this the right move?
The response to this news has been unsurprising. It seems as if the footballing world isn’t ready to let go of the Argentine just yet.
And yes, it would be a shame to see him move to the MLS. This season, he has proved that he still has plenty left to offer at the top level. It would feel like a bit of a waste.
His fans would surely like to see him lift another Champions League, or challenge for the competition’s goal record. These accolades would only further cement his place amongst football’s greatest ever players.
However, from Messi’s perspective, the move could make some sense.
The 35-year-old has already done everything at club level. He could retire tomorrow and he’d still be immortalised in the history of football. Nothing will ever change that.
His priority will be the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, which will almost certainly be his last one. Once the tournament is over, his legacy will be set. Everything that follows is almost meaningless.
This transfer would allow Messi to relax and enjoy time with his family in a rich, majority Spanish-speaking city. If he wants to kick his feet up and make some more money before retiring, this would be the perfect move.
