Lionel Messi is anticipated to make his Major League Soccer debut with Inter Miami at a July 21 house recreation, the crew confirmed on Tuesday.
Owner Jorge Mas advised chosen shops on Monday that his membership and Messi have agreed to phrases and are finalizing paperwork and a visa. The crew confirmed sure particulars Tuesday to The Associated Press, together with that Messi will probably be signing a contract by means of the top of the 2025 season with an choice for 2026.
Messi’s contract will probably be value $50 million to $60 million per yr, the crew stated Tuesday. He can not signal till someday in July, after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires.
Messi, 35, introduced on June 7 that he was becoming a member of Miami. The Argentinian nice’s first recreation in Fort Lauderdale can be in opposition to Cruz Azul within the Leagues Cup.
The crew additionally confirmed Tuesday that it’s rising capability at DRV PNK Stadium by 3,000 to three,200 seats within the subsequent 4 weeks by filling within the corners, elevating capability to about 22,000.
“I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States,” Mas advised the Miami Herald. “I have a very, very strong held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world. I cannot over emphasize the magnitude of this announcement.”
Miami is also finalizing a contract with midfielder Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, the Herald stated, citing a league supply.
Mas additionally stated he hopes to start out building throughout the subsequent two weeks on Miami Freedom Park, the crew’s long-term house close to Miami International Airport, and is focusing on to have the venue open in the summertime or fall of 2025, the Herald reported.
Miami plans to boost safety, bussing gamers into the stadium for video games, Mas stated.
