Credit: Twitter
The 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning captain from Argentina, Lionel Messi has finally announced his next destination after his contract ended with the French champions, Paris Saint-Germain. The 35-year-old legendary forward will move to the USA to play for the Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, and the NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant have reacted to the sensational transfer.
Days after leaving PSG, the Argentine legend has announced that he will join David Beckham's Inter Miami, however, the formal agreement is yet to be signed, according to the MLS. " We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer," MLS said in a written statement.
Despite the heavy interest shown by his boyhood club Barcelona and Saudi giants Al-Hilal, the Argentine decided to move away from the limelight to a less demanding league. ESPN quoted Messi saying, "I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don't have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there.
Also read: Lionel Messi to leave Europe this summer for ‘landmark deal' to join Inter Miami
"After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more. Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way."
After Lionel Messi's announcement to join the MLS club, NBA superstars like two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns star forward Kevin Durant have reacted to the latest update. They took to their respective Twitter handles and welcomed Messi while the NBA also displayed a message of "Welcome to Miami Messi," during Game 3 between Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals.
Apart from them, NFL side Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill also posted a video of himself welcoming Messi to the Miami-based MLS club.
Watch the video here:
Messi’s father and agent confirmed earlier this week that the player and him want to join Barcelona but their inability to offer Messi a proper contract stands in their way. Barcelona are scrambling to offer Messi a proper contract because of their financial issues.
