US sport excited about Messi’s Inter Miami deal – FC Barcelona react

Move to Inter Miami

More important than LeBron James’ move to the Miami Heat 13 years ago, even more important than David Beckham’s move to the Los Angeles Galaxy 16 years ago – US media and sports stars are celebrating Lionel Messi’s decision as a future Inter Miami pro as a sensation . Beckham’s arrival in LA in 2007 “shifted the world’s perception of ambition and quality,” wrote the New York Times. Messi will now “give even more attention to the league in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup”. “What an incredible move from Miami,” wrote ex-NFL star JJ Watt. “Messi. Wow.” NBA star Trae Young promised a visit to Miami, and Giannis Antetokounmpo also welcomed the 35-year-old Argentinian.

The fact that the seven-time Ballon D’Or winner is moving to Miami three years before the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico is one thing – that he is only six months after triumphing with Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar and obviously still is at a very high level but is even more important for Major League Soccer.

“This is a huge win for everyone involved here in MLS. Our team was also very happy that a player like Messi was coming into the league,” said last season’s top scorer, Berlin’s Hany Mukhtar from Nashville SC, the German Press Agency. “I think that says a lot about the league: that it’s growing.”

“Messi’s decision to play in the United States could be the biggest boost ever for American football at a professional level,” the US news agency AP wrote. Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Thierry Henry and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all played for a US club. “But to get a player who’s not even worse than when he was at his peak just months after he lifted the World Cup is just huge.”

MLS welcomes Lionel Messi – defeated Barcelona release statement

“This is obviously the biggest transfer,” said US international Walker Zimmerman. “It’s a bit reminiscent of when Beckham came. You can see how the league has changed in the 15 years since then and hopefully 15 years from now you will see all the growth that has come from this addition. I think it’s a great thing.”

MLS itself reacted to the impending move and welcomed the prominent arrival for Inter Miami. “We are delighted that Lionel Messi has said he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” the league said in a statement on Wednesday. “Although there is still some work to finalize the contract, we look forward to welcoming one of football’s greatest-ever to our league.”

Messi had previously announced his plans in an interview with the two Spanish sports newspapers “Mundo Deportivo” and “Sport”, which were then also confirmed by his new employer. “I’ve decided I’m going to Miami,” he said. They are not yet 100 percent in agreement and “a few things still need to be clarified. But we decided that I would continue my path there.” He did not reveal any details, nor anything about a possible contract term with Miami. He can move free of charge, his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires.

Messi’s choice for Miami was also one against his former club FC Barcelona. The Catalans released a statement on Wednesday night, saying: “On Monday 5 June, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed club president Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite him there was an offer from Barça – taking into account the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi to wear the Blaugrana colors again.”

Official statement from FC Barcelona on Leo Messi’s decision to play for Inter Miamihttps://t.co/iuliiDOxsY

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 7, 2023

It continued: “President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to compete in a lower-demand league, further away from the limelight and pressures he has faced in recent years. Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to ensure a fitting tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who was and always will be loved by Barça.”

To home page