The MLS is so eager for Lionel Messi to arrive that they've already begun to promote his G.O.A.T status to America.
David Beckham pulled off one of the biggest heists in football history, officially bringing Messi to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain over his beloved ex-club Barcelona, as well as a host of teams in Saudi Arabia who have vied for the legend's services. After Messi officially announced the news today in an interview with the media, the MLS has already begun to pour out their excitement and support for the legend.
"We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer.," wrote the MLS in a press release. "Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League."
During the discussion, Messi clarified his thought process on tackling new challenges in America over a possible return to La Liga and the team who cemented his legendary status. Messi further explained his stance on not returning to PSG after deciding not to renew his expiring contract with the club.
“I’m ending [my] career in Paris with mixed sensations. The truth is that the first year was very difficult, as I said on occasion, for different reasons," said Messi to the media.
"The second year, the first six months, I felt very, very good, very comfortable in the club, in the city, with my family. In the middle was the World Cup, and I think the World Cup marked a little to all the teams in general with such an important competition in the middle of the season for the first time. I think it conditioned the season a lot. I was hoping to end differently, but well, it was two years, which, in general, were difficult for me, but they are behind me.”
Messi's relationship with the French club was proven to be rocky. Several instances occurred with the club throughout his two-year tenure, with his journey in Paris ultimately ending with his exit.
PSG punished the 35-year-old World Cup winner after an authorised trip to Saudi Arabia in May. However, the Argentine striker was obligated to make the trip due to part of his tourism sponsorship deal with the Middle Eastern country.
After missing practice, PSG manager Christophe Galtier still decided to use the famous No.10 in a game against Lorient. However, PSG fans began to boo the Barca legend, potentially planting seeds for a disgruntled exit.