Lionel Messi has opened up on his long-term international future following Argentina's landmark World Cup success as he closes in on a move to the US.
The iconic winger departed Paris Saint-Germain following the conclusion of his contract at the end of June and is expected to join new club Inter Miami imminently. The switch represents will be the first time the 36-year-old has played outside of Europe at club level in a glittering career which delivered has delivered 43 major honours.
His move stateside, therefore, is very much a new chapter for the former Barcelona hero and his young family, with the transfer coming as a result of the superstar's desire for a quieter pace of life as he looks to see out the twilight of his career. Snubbing approaches from the Blaugrana and the Saudi Pro League, the opportunity to move to South Beach — where he already owns a home — proved too difficult to resist.
The announcement of his deal with the Herons is expected this week, with a dedicated welcoming ceremony also slated to take place on July 16 at DRV PNK Stadium. The spectacle has been dubbed "The Unveil" and will be a free event for season ticket holders at the club's temporary home, with pop superstar Shakira potentially performing, as per Franco Panzio.
The Camp Nou legend arrived in the US on July 11, touching down in Fort Lauderdale ahead of the ceremony, which could see him presented to the franchise's supporters alongside fellow blockbuster acquisition Sergio Busquets. On top of this, the Vice City outfit has promised entertainment and on-the-pitch speeches, with the event potentially set to be screened during the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
Of course, the landmark move to the US will be a significant transitional period for Messi as well as his wife and their three sons but it does seem that the forward remains open to the possibility of turning out for his national team moving forward. Keeping his options open, he did acknowledge his advancing years but appeared just be grateful for the country's recent successes.
Addressing the subject of his potential retirement onTV Publica, the departing PSG ace replied: “Honestly, I don’t know until when. I think it will happen when it has to happen. After having achieved everything recently, the only thing left to do is to enjoy.
"God will say when that moment will come. Logically, because of my age, I’m sure it will be soon. But I don’t know exactly when will be the right time. I think about the day-to-day, enjoying everything beautiful."
Explaining that he is simply enjoying the moment after he was finally able to win the World Cup after it had previously eluded him, he added: We had to go through very hard times in the national team. We were fortunate enough to be World Cup and Copa America champions. It’s time to enjoy."
The world-famous star is due to receive a rock star-like reception as he tours the US in the coming months, with tickets for away games versus Inter Miami having sold out. He is due to make his debut for his new club in the Leagues Cup versus Mexican outfit Cruz Azul.
