Messi arrives. After two rather mixed years at Paris Saint-Germain, the world champion is starting a new adventure in Major League Soccer (MLS), the American championship. He signed with Inter Miami.
Mentioned in the TV news, his arrival causing an increase in the licensing of young football enthusiasts. Mike Athéa, French owner of an indoor soccer hall, testifies. He notes that the Messi effect was felt immediately, with some Americans and Europeans even wanting to buy his building.
Miami is a place where football stars rest during the summers, such as Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimović or even Ronaldinho. Owner of an apartment in an exclusive town north of Miami, “Pulga” is not THE undisputed star, but her move is still causing a stir.
The Spanish-speaking player and his family came to Miami for linguistic and cultural reasons: the city is as Spanish-speaking as it is English-speaking. American television emphasizes this aspect, which is important in the eyes of the Messi couple, especially for their sons’ education.
But Wagnau Eloi, Haitian Ligue 1 champion with RC Lens and AS Monaco, who now coaches this Miami team, does not forget to mention the sporting expectations resting on the shoulders of the Rosario native: he is not here to make up the numbers in early retirement. In fact, Inter Miami finished last in the championship this season.
A showcase for soccer in the United States
In addition to the sporty aspect, it is a real commercial blow for David Beckham’s club. After three years of negotiations, Lionel Messi will be paid 50 to 60 million dollars a year, to be compared to the 200 million euros a year from Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia, who also made an offer that Messi rejected.
Ironically, the PSG store in Miami no longer sells the Argentine shirts since he signed in Florida. Store manager Marco says he has to deal with disappointed fans every day. What is certain is that the former Barca player will act as a showcase for the 2026 World Cup to be held across North Americain an MLS just waiting to shine around the world.
