Lionel Messi has parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain, opting for a move to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF two years after playing in the French capital. Last week, the 35-year-old Argentinian announced his departure from Paris with the expiration of his current contract. His teammate, French superstar Kylian Mbappe, spoke about how Messi didn’t get the respect he deserved in France.
Mbappe and Messi spent two years together at Paris Saint-Germain. The 2022 World Cup winning captain provided the Frenchman with several assists. The duo won Ligue 1 in both seasons, but failed to go past the round of 16 in the Champions League.
The seven times Ballon d’Or winner was booed on multiple occasions by rogue PSG fans, probably because of his failure to show the sublime performances he displayed at FC Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe has called out on those fans, mentioning that the Parisian crowd was disrespectful towards the legendary Argentinian.
Kylian Mbappe calls Messi “one of the greatest”
Mbappe recently shared his thoughts on his former teammate, as well as about his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain. The following are excerpts from an interview he gave to Italian Newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport:
“He’s one of the greatest players in the history of football. It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves.”
Mbappe stood up for Messi 💪 pic.twitter.com/bioOr56JE7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 14, 2023
“I don’t quite understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone. He didn’t get the respect he deserved in France.”
“It’s a shame, but that’s how it happened. We will have to do what we can to replace him.”
Details on Messi’s Inter Miami contract
The June 30th date marks the official end of the Argentine international’s time with Paris Saint-Germain, and the start of his contract in Florida. Messi signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Miami club because the Major League Soccer season takes place during the summer, when most European leagues are already in full swing.
That would get him through the end of 2025 instead of July 2025, with an additional year of extension available if he wants to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Inter Miami CF fans chanting Messi's name! 🐐🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/hcY4jcEVsC
— Messiologist (@breathMessi23) June 15, 2023
The reported terms of Messi’s potential contract in Miami vary in the end due to salary cap and roster restrictions in Major League Soccer. According to the Miami Herald, Messi’s contract will be worth between £100 million and £120 million. This works out to roughly £3.3 million to £4 million per month.
Where would you rank Lionel Messi among soccer’s all-time greats? Share your opinions in the comments section!
