Inter Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman believes David Beckham’s club is ’not ready’ for the arrival of Lionel Messi.
On Wednesday, Messi’s move to the United States was confirmed as the Argentine chose to move to Florida over a potentially more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia. He is set to receive a lucrative compensation package that includes a share of Apple's revenue generated by the MLS Season Pass as well as a share of Adidas - who sponsor the league and manufacture kits for each franchise - profits from his arrival in the MLS.
The signing of Messi is perhaps the most monumental move in North American soccer history, even eclipsing Brazilian icon Pele’s transfer to the New York Cosmos in 1975. However, Miami backup goalkeeper Marsman believes signing a player of Messi’s significance and calibre is too much for the MLS club at this stage.
“I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival,” Marsman told ESPN. “We have a temporary stadium, people can just walk on the pitch, there are no gates.
“We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they aren't ready. But I hope he comes.”
Marsman joined Inter Miami midway through the 2021 season after two years with Feyenoord in the Eridivisie. Since moving to Miami, the 32-year-old has tallied a total of 29 appearances while he has not played for the club in 2023.
Marsman’s fears are perhaps justified, with Inter Miami founded in 2018 before joining the MLS ahead of the 2020 season. The club is enjoying its fourth season in professional soccer, which means Messi’s acquisition will take Miami to new heights on a global platform.
Inter Miami will be thrilled with Messi’s signing, particularly given their dull form in 2023. The club sacked Phil Neville and have just 15 points from 16 games to sit bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The Herons have hit the net just 15 times in 16 games this season - but Messi will certainly bring goals. The seven-time Ballon D’Or winner struck 16 times as Paris-Saint Germain claimed the Ligue 1 title in 2022/23.
Messi scored 32 goals in 75 appearances over two years in Paris after joining the club once he left Barcelona in 2021. He stands tall as the Catalan club’s record scorer with 672 goals while he won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Spanish Cups.
