Lionel Messi Inter Miami transfer completed as MLS confirms deal; will be

Lionel Messi has completed his transfer to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

His contract is for two-and-a-half seasons, with an option to extend for a further year in the 2026 season.

The club tweeted a video of Messi — wearing the No. 10 shirt — on Saturday and later confirmed his arrival after the deal was finally ratified by MLS.

Messi will be officially unveiled to fans at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at an event on Sunday (8:30 p.m. ET, 1:30 a.m. BST on Monday).

His new club said he would first be available for selection against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul in the opening match of Leagues Cup on July 21.

“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” said Messi.

“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.”

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham says he “dreamt” of bringing a player like Messi to Miami.

“Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city. Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much,” Beckham said in quotes published on the club’s official website.

“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. The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”

MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America.

“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game. We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”

The 36-year-old announced in early June that he had decided to move to MLS following his Paris Saint-Germain exit, despite interest from former club Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

All parties have spent the last month on the complicated deal, which includes additions to the typical MLS standard player agreement. Messi is expected to get an equity share in Inter Miami when he finishes as a player, and Miami owner Jorge Mas has told reporters he expects the total package to be worth somewhere…