Lionel Messi could be plying his MLS trade next year with Inter Miami close to reaching a deal with the Argentinian superstar.
The Miami-based franchise that co-owns David Beckham is confident the 35-year-old will sign the deal after the World Cup in Qatar.
If Messi agrees to sign on the dotted lines, the diminutive left-footed striker for Paris St Germain will become the highest-paid player in MLS history.
Inter Miami is also exploring the possibility of signing two of Messi’s closest friends and former Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas.
Inter Miami meet Messi’s father, Jorge
It was previously reported that brothers Jorge and Joe Mas, co-owners of the club, are leading negotiations to bring in the Argentine and have already had numerous meetings with Messi’s father Jorge.
Athletic had previously reported that the club is confident that Messi will sign a contract in the coming months.
However, the French outlet revealed that Messi’s entourage has denied any conversation with the MLS club.
The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of the current season, but the French giants are expected to push hard for a contract extension.
Barcelona is also interested in bringing back its favorite son to the Camp Nou.
Beckham has big ambitions
Beckham had previously spoken about the club’s big ambitions and head coach Phil Neville also confirmed the team’s desire to sign Messi.
There have also been talks ahead of the World Cup that the deal will also see the Argentine buy 35% of the club’s shares.
Neville, who guided Inter Miami through the 2022 play-offs, said: “This club will always want to bring a superstar to Miami, and a lot of the best players want to come here because of where we are.”
Therefore, there is no surprise with the latest developments, as Messi enjoys his vacation in Miami with his family and owns a house in the city.
The Argentine superstar had previously said in an interview with Spanish outlet La Sexta: “I always had the dream of being able to enjoy and have the experience of living in the United States, experiencing what the league is like there.”
Beckham’s influence is believed to be a key part of the deal with the former England captain who has a cemented long-term relationship with Messi through his long association with Adidas. Beckham is also an ambassador for the Qataris for the World Cup and they are the owners of PSG.
If Messi does join MLS, he will follow in the footsteps of Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Thierry Henry, David Villa and most recently Zlatan Ibrahimovic to play in the United States.
