Football icon rejects Saudi Arabia for bottom placed MLS side

Footballing legend Lionel Messi, fresh off his departure from Paris St-Germain, has set his sights on a new challenge in the United States, signing with MLS club Inter Miami.

The Argentine icon has turned down a more financially rewarding offer from Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal, opting instead for a new chapter in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Inter Miami deal has garnered significant attention due to its collaboration with prominent brands such as Adidas and Apple, presenting an enticing opportunity for the 35-year-old forward.

Having already won the Ballon d’Or award on an unprecedented seven occasions, Messi is widely expected to add another accolade to his collection later this year, following potential World Cup success.

This move to Inter Miami marks a significant milestone in Messi’s illustrious career, as it will be his first experience playing outside of Europe. Initially, Messi had hoped to continue his footballing journey within the continent for another season.

However, with no satisfactory offers materializing, he faced a clear decision between joining Inter Miami or Al-Hilal.

Despite intense speculation favoring a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would have teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in an unparalleled display of attacking prowess, Messi ultimately succumbed to the allure of Major League Soccer.

Several factors influenced his decision, including lifestyle considerations and the off-field opportunities that extend beyond the realm of football. Additionally, Messi already owns a property in Miami, which he currently rents out.

While expressing a desire to return to Barcelona during the summer, Messi’s hopes were dashed due to the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions that will be enforced in La Liga for the upcoming season. At Paris St-Germain, Messi clinched the Ligue 1 title in both of his seasons with the club.

However, their exit from the Champions League in the round of 16 tarnished his time in France and prevented it from being viewed as an overwhelming success.

During his tenure at Paris St-Germain, Messi made 75 appearances, scoring 32 goals. In the most recent season, he showcased his incredible skills by tallying an impressive record of 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1.

As his two-year contract with PSG came to an end this summer, both parties mutually agreed to part ways. Notably, Messi also faced a two-week suspension in May for embarking on an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.

Messi’s legacy is firmly rooted in his exceptional spell at Barcelona, where he spent an astonishing 21 years and became the club’s all-time leading scorer, netting a remarkable 672 goals. Alongside his domestic success, he secured an impressive 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Spanish Cups. Furthermore, Messi reached the pinnacle of international glory by guiding Argentina to a World Cup triumph in December.

With his Barcelona chapter firmly behind him, primarily due to the club’s financial constraints, Messi embarks on an exciting new adventure in the MLS with Inter Miami.

The football world eagerly awaits his arrival in the United States, where he is expected to make an indelible mark on the league while proudly representing the Florida-based club.