Star footballer Lionel Messi has announced his decision to sign with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham. This comes as a surprise, as Messi was expected to either return to his former club Barcelona or join Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. However, the 35-year-old Argentine chose to continue his football journey in the United States, leaving behind the possibility of a Barcelona reunion or a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia.
Messi’s Decision and Reasons
Messi revealed his choice during interviews with Spanish newspapers Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo. He stated, “I’ve taken the decision that I am going to Miami, I don’t have (the deal) 100 percent sealed or maybe there’s something left to do, but we decided to continue our path there.” After winning the World Cup with Argentina in December, Messi expressed his desire to experience football in a different way and enjoy his day-to-day life more, which led him to choose MLS over other options.
Barcelona’s Response
Following Messi’s decision, Barcelona issued a statement confirming that Messi’s father and agent had informed the club about his intention to move to the United States instead of returning to Spain. The statement highlighted that Barcelona president Joan Laporta understood and respected Messi’s desire to compete in a league with fewer demands, away from the spotlight and the pressure he had faced in recent years.
Not Motivated by Money
Messi emphasized that his decision was not driven by financial considerations. He mentioned, “If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. It seemed like a lot of money, and the truth is that my decision went another way and not for money.” This statement clarifies that his move to MLS was motivated by factors other than financial gain.
Messi’s Achievements
As a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi is one of the most decorated footballers in history. His contributions helped Argentina secure victory in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. Despite his remarkable success, Messi has chosen to embark on a new chapter in his career, seeking a different football experience and a change in lifestyle.
It remains to be seen how Messi’s move to Inter Miami will unfold and how he will contribute to the growth of MLS. Fans around the world will eagerly follow his journey in the United States, as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
