A date has been set for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s eagerly anticipated debut with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi is set to make his debut for Inter Miami CF on July 21 in a League Cup game against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
The team’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, announced the plan in a recent interview. He revealed that Miami is preparing for Messi’s arrival by increasing the capacity of the DRV PNK stadium to 22,000. The club will also introduce enhanced security measures.
Despite rumors of rule changes and direct subsidies from the MLS, Mas clarified that “no rules are being changed to incorporate Messi”. The team will not receive any direct financial support from the league either.
Messi has said he is “eager and ready to face this new challenge.” The 35-year-old will join Inter Miami on a free transfer from French champions Paris Saint-Germain. He turned down offers from FC Barcelona and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal to sign for the MLS outfit. The deal is not formally complete yet, but is expected to be soon.
According to the Miami Herald, the 35-year-old is in talks over a two-and-a-half-season contract with Miami. The deal will be worth around $50 million to $60 million per year. The payment will include salary, bonuses, and equity in the MLS club once he hangs up his boots.
Deals involving Messi and MLS commercial partners Adidas, Apple, and others are still pending.
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