Why did Lionel Messi join Inter Miami? Co-owner Jorge Mas lists two key elements that convinced Argentina star to make MLS switch

The Argentine superstar, who now has eight Ballons d’Or to his name, found himself mulling over a big career poser in the summer of 2023. After reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and becoming a free agent, Messi had offers to consider from the United States, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia. He ultimately decided to go chasing the American dream.

Manchester United legend David Beckham played a key role in long-running talks, but Mas believes that Miami as a city tempted Messi towards the States. He has told The Times: “It was very difficult to compete solely on an economic basis but we had our city, what it represents, but also a place where his family could enjoy themselves. Miami is the unofficial capital of the Americas, a bilingual city. The majority of the population is Hispanic from south and central America and I think that was an extremely attractive thing for Lionel.”

Mas went on to explain the football elements that contributed towards Messi’s decision, which saw him head for the Sunshine State over Camp Nou or the Middle East: “I said, ‘How many elite athletes have had the opportunity to change a sport in a country?’ It is transformational for the sport in the United States. This is just the beginning. His presence, medium to long-term, will prove that this league belongs among the world’s best leagues over time.”

Messi committed to an initial two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami – which includes the option for an extension through 2026 – and he will become a stakeholder in the club when he retires. For now, on-field matters remain the focus for the mercurial 36-year-old, who is hoping to get his hands on more major silverware in 2024.