Whenever he does decide to finally hang his cleats up, Lionel Messi might go down as the greatest Men’s soccer player in history. Heck, why not? He’s got the requisite extended domestic dominance and can now boast a legendary World Cup win with Argentina.
So, naturally, instead of continuing his iconic career run in Europe with Barcelona and, more recently, Paris Saint-Germain, the 35-year-old all-timer is prepared to begin the next phase of his career.
He’s heading to MLS to join Inter Miami and start a slow (but very deserved) coast into the sunset like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović before him.
Messi has decided. His destination: Inter Miami
Leo Messi se va al Inter Miami
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) June 7, 2023
To be fair, a Messi move to Inter Miami has been rumored for a while. And Messi, at 35, can take advantage of both Miami’s beautiful weather and Florida’s lack of a state income tax. (Not to mention the potential passive profit benefits.)
That said, Inter Miami is currently the worst team in MLS’ Eastern Conference, with 15 points in the standings. By default, they’re going to be better with Messi, but we shouldn’t pretend Messi is joining them because he has intense ambitions to conquer MLS. This begins a career coasting for a true soccer icon.
This was how the soccer world reacted to Messi's decision on Twitter
Lionel Messi actually rejected €1.2Billion for a team in the bottom place in the US..
What is the name of this challenge please? 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/H3XUDytzhu
— 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒 (@ChaaliiyKay) June 7, 2023
Lionel Messi exits the football stage with a grand finale fit for a true king. He made sure he was crowned before he left.pic.twitter.com/OUg2hBiZ90
— Hamza (@lapulgafreak) June 7, 2023
Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami CF😩 pic.twitter.com/EICLi8jvIW
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 7, 2023
As someone from the US who watches MLS, I guess this is great news.
As someone who loves football though, I’m sad Lionel Messi’s career in Europe has come to an end.
The past 19 years were magical. What an era. https://t.co/vUV76R3jWc
— Anthony (@anthonykyaw) June 7, 2023
I don’t understand this MLS move by Lionel Messi but it’s his choice. And truly, there is nothing left to conquer in Europe. I wish he stayed 2 more years instead of the long gruelling travel of club games in the United States. Glad he won’t be back to Barça!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) June 7, 2023
Lionel Messi against MLS competitionpic.twitter.com/5RLxyrih7c
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) June 7, 2023
Copa America 2024 and World Cup 2026 is in the USA and Messi is joining Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/k6YOylQuqG
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) June 7, 2023
Messi playing in the US ✅
Copa America in 2024 ✅
World Cup in 2026 ✅We will have a generation of spoiled soccer fans in the USA 🇺🇸
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) June 7, 2023
"This is a bigger day for Mike Ryan than it is for Messi. This is Mike's No. 1 day here." – @10DayTony
"Give me my flowers. Right the whole damn time." – @MichaelRyanRuiz takes a victory lap with Lionel Messi reportedly headed to Inter Miami…
📺 https://t.co/GNJItlWJIM pic.twitter.com/dTvPjj1r5w
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) June 7, 2023
