On Saturday, July 15, 2023, Inter Miami CF made an official announcement that sent shockwaves through the soccer world: They have successfully secured the signing of Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion. Messi, the Argentine superstar, will occupy a Designated Player slot and is set to join the team in the coming days. His contract with Inter Miami CF will extend through the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Jorge Mas, the Managing Owner of Inter Miami CF, expressed his deep honor in welcoming Messi and his family to their new home. Mas emphasized the club’s commitment to building an ambitious team that attracts the world’s top players. He thanked the fans for their unwavering belief and expressed confidence that together they will turn dreams into reality.
David Beckham, Co-Owner of Inter Miami CF, shared his excitement about Messi joining the club and fulfilling his long-held dream of bringing the greatest players to Miami. He not only welcomed Messi’s exceptional talent but also celebrated the addition of a close friend and his beautiful family to the Inter Miami community. Beckham eagerly awaits seeing Messi’s remarkable skills on the pitch, marking the beginning of the next phase of their adventure.
Messi himself expressed his enthusiasm about starting this new chapter in his career with Inter Miami and in the United States. He recognized it as a fantastic opportunity and conveyed his eagerness to work together with the team to achieve their shared objectives.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his joy that Messi, the greatest player in the world, chose Inter Miami CF and MLS. Garber believed Messi’s decision is a testament to the league’s growing momentum and its ability to attract top talent. He confidently stated that Messi will show the world that MLS is a League of Choice for the best players. Garber looked forward to witnessing Messi’s debut for Inter Miami in the upcoming Leagues Cup tournament later in the month.
Messi will be eligible for selection in Inter Miami CF’s opening match of the Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul, a LIGA MX side, on July 21. The Leagues Cup is a prestigious North American soccer tournament, and the MLS and LIGA MX will pause their respective league seasons from July 21 to August 19 to determine the three clubs that will qualify for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. Limited tickets are available for the match against Cruz Azul and the subsequent match against Atlanta United on July 25.
Fans worldwide can catch Messi, Inter Miami, and all the action through MLS Season Pass, a subscription service available in over 100 countries and regions. The service can be accessed on the Apple TV app, smart TVs, streaming devices, Apple devices, set-top boxes, game consoles, and the web.
Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami CF’s Chief Business Officer, acknowledged the historic nature of this signing and its significance for both the sporting and business aspects of the club and MLS. He expressed immense pride in presenting Messi with an extraordinary project that would benefit all parties involved.
Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, welcomed Messi and praised his incomparable talent. Henderson believed that Messi’s presence on and off the field would elevate everyone around him, and he looked forward to witnessing Messi’s impact on Inter Miami CF.
Messi’s extraordinary list of personal accolades includes seven Ballon d’Or titles, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, and two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls. He has also secured numerous team trophies throughout his career, such as the UEFA Champions League, La Liga titles, and Copa del Rey titles. Messi holds several records in different competitions, highlighting his unmatched skills and achievements.
Messi’s remarkable journey began in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, and has left an indelible mark on the international stage. He captained the Argentine national team to victory in the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Having played for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has left an indelible mark in club football as well. His remarkable records, appearances, goals, and assists speak volumes about his impact on the game.
The signing of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami CF on July 15, 2023, signifies a historic moment for the club, MLS, and the growth of football in the United States. Messi’s arrival will undoubtedly elevate the team’s profile and contribute to the global recognition of MLS as a top-tier league.