Lionel Messi is set to make his MLS debut with Inter Miami on July 21 at home, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
Owner Jorge Mas told selected local media on Monday that the team and Messi have reached an agreement and the paperwork and his visa are being finalized. The team confirmed some details to The Associated Press on Tuesday, including stating that Messi’s contract will end at the end of the 2025 season and that he comes with an option for the 2026 season.
Messi’s contract will be worth between US$50 million and US$60 million per year, the team said on Tuesday. He can’t officially sign him until sometime in July, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs out.
Messi, who is 35, announced on June 7 that he will continue his career in Miami. The Argentine star’s first match will therefore take place in Fort Lauderdale against Cruz Azul, in a Leagues Cup match.
The team also confirmed on Tuesday that it will increase the capacity of DRV PNK Stadium from 3,000 to 3,200 seats over the next four weeks, increasing the maximum capacity to around 22,000 spectators.
Inter Miami is also in the process of finalizing a contract with midfielder Sergio Busquets, a former teammate of Messi at FC Barcelona. The Miami Herald reported this information citing a source within the league.
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