It is the stunning transfer that has shook the football world as Lionel Messi announced he would be joining MLS outfit Inter Miami.
The Argentinian icon's future had been up in the air, with the likes of former club Barcelona and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal having emerged among the frontrunners for his signature. However, the chance to join David Beckham's US franchise in a city where he already owns a property eventually proved too hard to resist.
The 35-year-old departs Europe for the first time in his illustrious career, having won an incredible combined 43 trophies during his 17-years at the Camp Nou and his couple of seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. On top of this, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner finally won the elusive World Cup he so desperately craved in Qatar last year.
There is no doubt that the signing of the decorated winger — considered by many observers to be the best player in the history of the game — represents a landmark moment for the sport stateside. A host of superstars have played in the MLS in the past but it is probably fair to suggest that only Beckham sits alongside him in terms of worldwide renown.
The former England captain has made no secret of his desire to eventually bring superstars to South Beach and one senses that Messi's star power will attract even more high-profile players to Florida in the coming months and years. Here at Mirror Sport , we took a closer look at some of the familiar names who could well end up joining the former Barcelona star stateside...
Jordi Alba
Former Blaugrana left-back Jordi Alba was something of a stalwart at the Camp Nou, starring alongside Messi for much of his 11-year stay in Catalonia. The 34-year-old departed the club he served with such distinction after clocking up 459 appearances in all competitions at the end of the 2022/23 season.
According to TyC Sports, the 91-time international could well be on his way to join his former teammate in the Sunshine State on a free transfer.
Sergio Busquets
Former Barcelona and Spain midfield anchorman Sergio Busquets will probably go down as one of the most underrated players of his generation, having served his whole career to date with his boyhood side. In all, he played 722 times for the Camp Nou side, winning an array of honours including three Champions Leagues.
He called time on his stay at Barcelona at the end of the campaign, bowing out after 18 glorious seasons. Again, TyC Sports have reported Inter Miami as a possible next destination for the 34-year-old La Liga great.
Antoine Griezmann
World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann is one of the foremost attacking midfielders France has produced in the past couple of decades but has spent his whole career in Spain to date. The decorated 32-year-old has scored a whopping 244 goals in 645 appearances across spells for Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
His spell at the Camp Nou did not completely go to plan, however, he appears to be enjoying his football at the Wanda Metropolitano of late, scoring 15 times last season in La Liga. Intriguingly, he has been pretty open about his desire to finish his career in the US, stating the following in an interview with L'Equipe (via FourFourTwo ) in 2018: "If Beckham wants me in his club, then I'll go".
Do you see a host of stars now joining Lionel Messi in the MLS? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Luis Suarez
The trio consisting of Uruguayan forward Suarez, Messi and Neymar is probably the most legendary in recent football history, with the partnership delivering Barcelona's most recent Champions League win back in 2015. Astonishingly, the former per netted some 406 goals together while at the Camp Nou across six years.
Now 36-years-old and turning out for Brazilian outfit Gremio, an emotional reunion for the pair at Inter Miami could be on the cards. According to TyC Sports, Beckham will try to secure El Pistolero's services alongside that of ex-teammates Alba and Busquets.
Angel di Maria
Former Manchester United winger Angel di Maria may have found life difficult at Old Trafford but he has had great success during the rest of his career, winning seven league titles in three different countries and the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2014. However, the 35-year-old's crowning moment may have come alongside Messi as Argentina triumphed in the World Cup last year.
Perhaps, Beckham will look to reunite these international teammates at Inter Miami, with the pair having also played together at Paris Saint-Germain. According to the Daily Mail, the departing Juventus star could join Messi in Florida, with the MLS club weighing up a swoop.
