The transfer that everyone knew about has finally happened: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is joining American side Inter Miami. The Barcelona legend announced last month he was signing for Miami, but the move was made official and Messi was presented to the fans today.
Messi joins a struggling Miami side currently on a ten-game winless streak in league play, and the club is bottom of the Eastern Conference. They are eleven points away from a playoff spot, and only three teams have scored fewer goals. Additionally, the squad is missing several players due to serious injuries and some big name players have left recently.
He won’t be the club’s only addition, though. Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets is signing to bolster the midfield, and another Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, is reportedly close to signing. Inter Miami has also been linked with several rising stars from Argentina, eager to link up with one of Argentina’s biggest icons.
Messi’s trophy cabinet is beyond impressive, it’s ridiculous: seven Balon d’Ors, four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles, and dozens of other trophies. He will look to add to that tally in America: Miami still has a shot at the Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and MLS. Next season they could be in the running for the CONCACAF Champions League.
Messi turned down Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal but will still have a lucrative contract, earning between $50-60 million per year. He also has a stake in the club, and will earn a percentage of Apple TV’s subscription revenue.
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Image Courtesy of Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
