Lionel Messi link up on? Nacho ‘future’ admission teases MLS transfer as Inter Miami-linked defender prepares to sever career-long ties with Real Madrid

Real Madrid defender Nacho has teased a transfer that will see him join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, with a decision on his future already made.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The 34-year-old is preparing to sever career-long ties with La Liga title holders at Santiago Bernabeu. He has taken in over 360 appearances for the Blancos – with one more set to see him chase down a sixth Champions League triumph when facing Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on June 1.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!
Stream games now

Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Nacho is about to hit free agency and is seeing a switch to MLS speculated on. He is considered to be another player in David Beckham’s sights, as the former Real midfielder looks to assemble a trophy-winning cast around eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – with the likes of Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets already on board.
WHAT NACHO SAID
Nacho admits that his next move is decided, telling the Radioestadio Noche show on Onda Cero: “My future? I have decided what I am going to do when the season ends, but I am not going to say it now, it is not the day, it is not the moment. Nothing that happens is going to change my decision, even if we win the Champions League or the European Championship.”

Getty
WHAT NEXT?
The experienced centre-half has been included in Spain’s plans for Euro 2024, as he looks to add to a haul of 34 caps for his country, and it could be that he links up with Inter Miami in the middle of a campaign that already has them setting collective sights on MLS Cup glory.

WHAT HAPPENED?