Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has officially confirmed that he will join Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami after his exit from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The 35-year-old World Cup winner has reportedly turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabia-based club Al-Hilal in order to move to the United States. 

While Messi claimed that he wanted to return to his boyhood club FC Barcelona, the ambitious transfer was almost impossible due to Financial Fair Play regulations that are in place in Spain’s top division football league.

“I am joining Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed,” Messi said in an interview to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

“It's true that I had offers from another European team but I didn't even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona. After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more,” the Argentine footballer added.

Messi currently holds the record for the most goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues. He will leave Europe with a staggering 496 goals in 575 matches, having broken the previous record held by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo (495 goals in 626 games).

He is also the most decorated footballer alongside former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, having won a record 43 titles so far.

Messi is yet to sign the Inter Miami contract as certain formalities are to be completed. As per reports, the high-profile deal also includes collaboration with brands such as Apple and Adidas.

When will Lionel Messi join Inter Miami?

World Cup winner Lionel Messi is expected to join Inter Miami once the MLS summer window opens on July 5.

Inter Miami are scheduled to face D.C. United in their Eastern Conference encounter on July 9. 

However, Messi will be on national duty as Argentina will play Australia on June 15, and later against Indonesia on June 19. He could later take a month-long break after completing national duties.

In that scenario, Messi could make his Inter Miami debut in the new Leagues Cup competition against Liga MX side Cruz Azul at home on Saturday, July 22.

Inter Miami have already played 16 games in the MLS 2023 season. They are currently placed at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with just 15 points on the board.

Inter Miami remaining schedule for 2023 season

All match times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Date

Fixture

Time (IST)

Venue

Sunday, June 11

New England vs Inter Miami

5:00 AM

Gillette Stadium

Sunday, June 25

Philadelphia vs Inter Miami

5:00 AM

Subaru Park

Sunday, July 2

Inter Miami vs Austin

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Wednesday, July 5

Inter Miami vs Columbus

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Sunday, July 9

D.C.United vs Inter Miami 

5:00 AM

Audi Field

Sunday, July 16

St.Louis vs Inter Miami

6:00 AM

CityPark

Saturday, July 22

Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul

5:30 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Wednesday, July 26

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Monday, August 21

Inter Miami vs Charlotte

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Sunday, August 27

NY Red Bulls vs Inter Miami

5:00 AM

Red Bull Arena

Thursday, August 31

Inter Miami vs Nashville

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Monday, September 4

LAFC vs Inter Miami

5:00 AM

BMO Stadium

Sunday, September 10

Inter Miami vs Sporting KC

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Sunday, September 17

Atlanta United vs Inter Miami

5:00 AM

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Thursday, September 21

Inter Miami vs Toronto

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Monday, September 25

Orlondo City vs Inter Miami

5:00 AM

Exploria Stadium

Sunday, October 1

Inter Miami vs New York City

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Thursday, October 5

Chicago vs Inter Miami

6:00 AM

Soldier Field

Sunday, October 8

Inter Miami vs Cincinnati

5:00 AM

DRV PNK Stadium

Sunday, October 22

Charlotte vs Inter Miami

3:30 AM

Bank of America Stadium

Photo credit: Alamy