Lionel Messi, a global football legend and the holder of 7 Ballon d'Or awards, is always the center of attention whenever he decides on his future career path. In the summer of 2023, fans around the world were shocked once again when he left Europe, where he had achieved countless successes, to join Inter Miami, a club in Major League Soccer (MLS). This decision not only marked a significant turning point in Messi's career but also brought unprecedented attention to American football. So when did Messi join Inter Miami, and what does this journey mean to him as well as the entire tournament? Today, let's find out with Win Tips through the article below!
When did Messi join Inter Miami?
In July 2023, Lionel Messi officially joined Inter Miami, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain, Messi considered several attractive options, including returning to Barcelona, where he had spent more than two decades, or moving to Saudi Arabia. In the end, Messi chose Inter Miami, a club in Major League Soccer (MLS). This decision not only surprised many but also opened a new chapter full of possibilities in a completely different environment.
Choosing Inter Miami was not only a strategic step in Messi's career but also a major boost for the development of football in North America. The presence of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner immediately boosted the global appeal of MLS. This is also the first time Messi has played outside Europe since the beginning of his career, sparking expectations from experts about how he will adapt and change the face of the competition. The Inter Miami matches quickly attracted record numbers of viewers and drew interest from major sponsors and international fans.
Messi shared that his decision to join Inter Miami was not only based on professional factors but also motivated by the desire to provide a more comfortable life for his family in the United States. It provided an opportunity to reduce the pressure after many years of playing at the top level in Europe and spend more time with his wife and children. At the same time, Messi could continue to contribute to football in a new environment, playing the role of an MLS icon and taking the league to new heights. Messi's impact is expected to go beyond commercial success and have a profound effect on the long-term development of football in the United States.
How much did Inter Miami pay for Messi?
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, officially joined Inter Miami with a contract worth 60 million USD per year. This is not only a symbol of the club's prestige but also a reflection of the commercial partnerships with Adidas and Apple, two key partners for MLS. Messi's move to Inter Miami marks an important step in his illustrious career, during which he won titles including the Champions League with Barcelona and scored 672 goals in 778 club matches. Expressing his feelings, Messi said: "I am very excited to start a new chapter in the United States and build an ambitious project with the team.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, openly expressed his excitement about bringing Messi to the team. Beckham said this was the culmination of the vision he had cherished since he began building the club in Miami. "I've always dreamed of bringing the greatest players in the world to develop football in the United States. Messi's presence will not only help the club grow but also inspire younger generations of players," Beckham said. Beckham also highlighted his close relationship with Messi, calling it an important step for Inter Miami to assert its position on the international stage.
Messi's arrival is not only a success for Inter Miami but also holds strategic significance for Major League Soccer (MLS). Don Garber, MLS commissioner, believes that Messi will be a catalyst for excitement, attracting more international stars and improving the quality of the game. "Messi is a testament to the growth of MLS and a symbol of the league's further rise on the global football map," he said. In his debut match against Cruz Azul on July 21 at the Leagues Cup, Messi created a buzz, not only generating commercial interest from ticket sales and broadcasting rights but also helping MLS attract fans all over the world.
How many games has Messi played for Inter-Miami?
Lionel Messi has played 22 games for Inter Miami as of November 2024, appearing in numerous important tournaments and making a strong impression with 21 goals. In particular, Messi shone at the 2023 Leagues Cup, where he led the team to its first title in the club's history. In total, Messi played 1755 minutes, creating memorable moments not only with his goals but also due to his leadership role and excellent playmaking ability. Messi's presence not only strengthened the squad but also elevated Inter Miami's standing in American and global football.
Despite his many positive contributions, Messi also encountered difficulties, having played only six matches in MLS. Injuries and a tight schedule with the Argentine national team forced him to miss many important matches. However, every time he appeared on the field, Messi demonstrated his exceptional skill with the ability to read the game and score goals at decisive moments. In particular, his brilliant performances in the Leagues Cup helped Inter Miami turn their fortunes around and win tough matches.
Not only is Messi an important player on the field, but he is also a role model who inspires and brings great commercial value to Inter Miami. His presence draws a large number of spectators to the stadium and increases revenue from ticket sales and sponsorship contracts. Moreover, Messi helped MLS gain recognition by attracting greater global attention. Despite facing pressure from both the club and the national team, Messi has maintained his professionalism, showing his determination every time he appears on the field.
Conclusion
Thus, in answer to the question "When did Messi join Inter Miami?", July 2023 marked a new chapter in the colorful journey of the Argentine superstar. The decision to join Inter Miami not only brought a breath of fresh air to MLS but also proved that Lionel Messi is always eager to conquer new challenges. His presence in the US has changed the perception of football in the country and promises to open up many development opportunities for the league in the future. Thank you for reading our article!
