Lionel Messi will not be joining David Beckham’s US franchise Inter Miami CF at the end of the season, according to his representative.
A report from The Times claimed that the Argentina superstar was in line to become the highest earner in MLS history when his deal at Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer. It suggested that an agreement was close and that he would put pen to paper after the World Cup.
Qatar is expected to be 35-year-old Messi’s last finals appearance with Argentina having been among the pre-tournament favourites for the trophy. He’s already got two goals, one of which came against Mexico in Saturday’s vital 2-0 win following their humiliating 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
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In doing so, he equalled the late great Diego Maradona’s World Cup goals record (eight), two years and a day after his sad passing. Messi lifted his first international trophy with Argentina in last year’s Copa America and is hoping his World Cup swan song ends in similar fashion.
He will also have an eye on the Champions League with PSG, having not lifted Big Ears since 2011 with Barcelona. With increased speculation around his future at club level in recent days, Messi’s representative has now shut down any talk of a move to America.
In a statement to CNN, Marcelo Mendez said: “It’s false, it’s fake news. There is no negotiation for Lionel to join Inter Miami next season.”
Manchester United hero Beckham established Inter Miami in 2018 and entered the MLS in 2020. Current Uruguay boss Diego Alonso was appointed as the side's first head coach but in May 2021, Beckham welcomed in ex-United teammate and former England Women's boss Phil Neville into the hot seat.
Two former Premier League stars are currently in the outfit’s squad roster, including ex-Newcastle full-back DeAndre Yedlin and one-time Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs.
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