The World Cup winner recently joined Major League Soccer side, Inter Miami, let us know when will his next chapter begin.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, revealed that he will be joining Inter Miami in the United States for the next chapter of his illustrious career, following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming summer. Amidst widespread reports of Lionel Messi being offered a remarkable deal by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, alongside fellow football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League, and strong speculations about a potential return to FC Barcelona, the 35-year-old World Cup champion made the final decision to commit his immediate future to the Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami.
Read More: Saudi Pro League: Know more about Benzema’s and Kante’s new club Al-Ittihad Club
Inter Miami, a four-year old MLS club, experienced the immediate consequences of being associated with one of the most globally recognized individuals. The team’s social media engagement soared in the hours following Messi’s announcement of his plans to relocate to South Florida. Furthermore, ticket prices surged in cities where Miami is slated to compete in the latter half of the 2023 MLS season.
However, the precise timing of Messi’s debut in the pink and black jersey of his new team remains uncertain. It is confirmed that he won’t be able to do so until July 5, which marks the opening of the summer transfer window in the United States and Canada. Considering Messi’s extensive participation in football over the past year, it is probable that he will seek some form of rest before going into the upcoming phase of his footballing journey.
This is the absolute earliest that Messi could make his Miami debut due to the transfer window opening three days earlier. Although a match against D.C. United, coached by Wayne Rooney, could generate compelling storylines, it is unlikely that MLS, Inter Miami, or Messi’s team would prefer his grand introduction to take place on an away game at one of the league’s smallest venues.
The second match on the schedule following Messi’s official inclusion in his new club presents a similar challenge as it is also an away game. Despite CityPark offering an impressive atmosphere for St. Louis, it doesn’t appear to be the ideal venue for Miami to showcase their highly valued signing.
Due to the unique nature of the Leagues Cup, a competition that involves teams from both MLS and Liga MX and takes place outside of their respective calendars, this particular match is officially designated as an away game for Miami, despite being held at DRV PNK Stadium. However, in reality, it will essentially be a home game and appears to be the most logical choice for Messi’s debut in a Miami jersey. MLS and its broadcast partner Apple are keen on increasing the significance of the Leagues Cup, and having Messi’s inaugural match for Miami scheduled on Matchday 1 of the revamped tournament would be an ideal way to accomplish that.
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