Lionel Messi is more than ready to start his new chapter in Major League Soccer after a historic transfer to Inter Miami.
After snubbing a return to Barcelona and a lucrative contract with Saudi club Al Hilal, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami on a free transfer. The move, widely considered by many to be the best ever transfer to the league, will boost the revenue and popularity of the MLS.
Lionel Messi recently joined the Argentina national team for their friendly against Australia in China. He was back to his usual self as he scored a dazzling goal in the 2nd minute, the fastest yet in his career.
After winning the World Cup in 2022, many think Messi has completed football and has no desire to win anything more. But the Argentine recently clarified his future for both his club and international career.
7 time Ballon D’or winner wants to ‘enjoy’ success with NT
The Argentine recently sat down with the Argentine TV network Publica to talk about his future goals. He talked about how the World Cup is the reason he is still not considering international retirement.
“If I’m being honest, had we not won the World Cup, I would no longer be playing for the national team. I can’t leave the national team as a world champion. I want to enjoy this.”
❗️Leo Messi: “Since I'm a World Champion, I can't retire from international football yet and I have to enjoy it all.” @SofiMMartinez 🗣️🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/NfK3nepcIW
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 15, 2023
Previously, Messi had said he will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. But in the last interview, he instead said he wants to first focus on the upcoming qualifiers and the next Copa America in 2024.
Lionel Messi is not so certain about his future with Argentina 👀🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/6xtLAGT5AC
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 15, 2023
“What I said about the World Cup is normal. For my age and for the time, it’s difficult for it to happen. I enjoy the moment, the day to day, being here. Now come the qualifiers, then the Copa America. It is going too far to think about the World Cup. We have to enjoy what we have achieved and every moment we are living.”
Lionel Messi’s availability in the next World Cup may not be possible due to his advancing age, something he himself admits. Nonetheless, whether he continues or not remains to be seen after the next Copa America, which he is sure to compete in.
Lionel Messi feels ‘ready’ for MLS
After joining Inter Miami, Messi will be ready for a new chapter in his career. The Argentine finally left Europe for the first time in his career and is now ready for this next challenge.
He said in the same interview, “I’m well. Initially, we had a different idea to return to Barcelona. We’re happy with the decision we have taken. I’m ready and eager to face this new challenge, this change.”
“The decision was an important step but at the same time, I was aware of what it meant, of what I was doing. We’re happy.”
🗣️Lionel Messi is 'eager, ready' for MLS challenge with Inter Miami #messi #lionelmessi #goat #intermiami #intermiami #mls #football pic.twitter.com/zTjxy1v9Q6
— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) June 16, 2023
Lionel Messi had the chance to sign for his childhood club Barcelona but snubbed them as they are still suffering from financial woes. He also rejected a $1.5 billion dollar contract from Saudi club Al Hilal.
Messi will now enjoy the beginning of his vacation as he will not play in the friendly against Indonesia. After the vacation, he will be presented as an Inter Miami player and then make his potential debut next month.
Lionel Messi will make his Inter Miami debut on the 21st of July.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 9, 2023
— @mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/r4dcJsxjsd
The soonest Messi can play for Miami is on July 8 against D.C. United. This is because MLS regulations mean Messi can’t be registered before July 5. But according to The Athletic, Messi is set to make his debut when Miami hosts Liga MX club Cruz Azul on July 21 in the Leagues Cup. Both matches’ tickets have been sold out.
Fans of the Argentine will have to wait a month or so before they see Messi finally grace the MLS with his magical feet. And surely he will be greeted like a world champion when he does arrive in Miami.
