The arrival of Lionel Messi in the US will be one of the landmark moments in the history of the sport stateside - but the superstar has been taking things easy before the momentous occasion.
The 36-year-old's contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of June and he has been free to sign for his soon-to-be new employers Inter Miami since the MLS transfer window opened on July 5. However, the World Cup winner has instead been on holiday with his wife and children as he unwinds following a gruelling season.
Messi was joined by spouse Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro in the Bahamas before they jet to Miami for their next chapter. The young family is familiar with the area, with the Argentine childhood sweethearts already owning a home there prior to the impending move.
Previously, Messi's influencer wife had posted snaps on Instagram of the family enjoying their vacation in the Caribbean and now the legendary forward has shared an update, posting two pictures on the social media site. The images were accompanied by the caption: "Always like this #family".
In one picture, he is shown stood in stunning clear blue waters alongside Antonela, with the sun beating down and in the other one, the couple are shown with their young children at a pool. It is now thought that the Messis will head to the US on Thursday ahead of the announcement of the deal.
Considered by many observers to be the greatest footballer to have ever played the game, the iconic winger is slated to be officially welcomed by the Herons at a dedicated ceremony on July 16 at DRV PNK Stadium. The franchise's temporary arena will be the venue as the Camp Nou hero is greeted by the Florida club's supporters for the first time.
He will likely be joined by fellow blockbuster signing Sergio Busquets, while a deal for former Blaugrana ace Jordi Alba is also in the works, according to the Miami Herald. The spectacle under the South Beach sun has been dubbed "The Unveil" will be free to season ticket holders.
Following this, the trio could well make their debut in the Leagues Cup clash versus Mexican team Cruz Azul on July 21 after completing their respective deals. They would be managed by former Barcelona and Argentina boss Tata Martino, who is expected to begin work as head coach following Phil Neville's dismissal imminently.
The former La Liga stars will certainly have their work cut out for them stateside, with the Herons currently languishing in rock-bottom position in the MLS Eastern Conference. On top of this, they have won just one game in their last ten outings, despite a decent run to the US Open Cup quarter final stage.
Club co-owner Jorge Mas has previously predicted that Messi's arrival could have a transformative impact for the team as well as the league in general, telling El Pais : "[Lionel] Messi can turn the MLS into one of the top two or three leagues in the world."
