Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest footballer of all-time and his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo to be the best has been one of the main narratives of the century. The playmaker made history with Barcelona before trying out a new experience with Paris Saint-Germain. Now, Messi is spearheading the Inter Miami revolution having joined the club during its formative years.
Owned by the legendary David Beckham, the team is making waves with Messi at the forefront. After all the superstar has achieved, his role with Inter Miami is further enhancing his legacy in the sport. This article will
When Messi Signed for Inter Miami
Messi moving to the MLS proved to be a major switch for the player and the club. Joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, the Argentine World Cup winner signed a deal running until the end of 2025, showing his commitment to the cause.
"I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States," Messi said when signing. "This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I'm very eager to start helping here in my new home."
For David Beckham, landing an all-time great with eight Ballon d'Or triumphs to his name was a 'dream come true'.
"Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamed of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
"Today that dream came true. I couldn't be prouder that a player of Leo's caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community."
Exploring Messi's Influence on the MLS
Messi playing for Inter Miami has enhance the appeal of the league around the world with fans of the player tuning in specifically to watch the former Barcelona man. Watching MLS games, some followers will place wagers to add an extra layer of excitement to the action.
If you are keen to explore betting opportunities around Messi and the MLS, it's wise to compare and assess a range of new online casino sites in order to find the platform which best suits your betting preferences. Following strategies including tracking team news and checking out the form guide will help you to make smart and informed decisions from a place of confidence and authority.
Messi joining Inter Miami has significantly boosted the league's popularity and revenue while also enhancing its overall global perception.
Why Messi Joined Inter Miami
After nearly two decades playing in Europe and winning silverware to be considered one of the greats, it's no surprise Messi was open to exploring new projects further afield when he decided the time was right to depart PSG.
Speaking in February 2025, Messi said: "The truth is that I always had it in my mind to play in MLS. I felt called to come to Inter because it's a club that's growing, that's very new, with few years as a club and I like the idea of coming and helping the club to become a greater club.
"I believe this is the opportunity to show the world a change and keep growing with the league."
Messi's Huge Impact
First and foremost, Messi's mere presence has wowed crowds at the Chase Stadium. Thousands of fans have packed out arenas across the United States in order to catch a glimpse of his talent.
In terms of his impact on the pitch, his team-mates have been honored to play in the same side as Messi and he has made a huge contribution to the Inter Miami cause, winning the Leagues Cup and Supporters' Shield.
The Argentine has scored 58 goals and recorded 25 assists in 68 appearances for the club. What's more, Messi has been named Man of the Match in nearly half of his matches, showing he is still capable of breaking crazy records.
What the Future Holds
Messi may have turned 38 in June but it seems, like Ronaldo, the player is not done yet at the top level of the game and will appear at the 2026 World Cup. However, who knows if he will remain with Inter Miami as his current deal concludes at the end of the year.
So, where could Messi end up? Well, if he did choose to leave Inter Miami, many fans would expect him to make a fairytale return to Barcelona. It's hard to see the player joining another European club. Who knows, he could even opt to head home to Argentina.
Beckham has acknowledged that Messi's future does lie back in Spain though that will be when he has eventually hung up his boots.
“I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou," said Beckham. "There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle."
Should Messi stay with Inter Miami or opt to leave, the superstar has had a giant impact on the growth of the club, making the team globally recognised and enhancing its appeal.