Lionel Messi officially signs with Inter Miami CF

Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami CF became official on Saturday, and his highly anticipated MLS debut will likely occur Friday against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

Messi, who turned 36 years old on June 24, announced on June 7 that he would be joining Miami after his exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

His contract with Miami will run through the end of the 2025 season and be worth $50-60 million per year.

“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.

“The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”

The is officially here.

Welcome to MLS, Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/Mt88hk0Cjg

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 15, 2023

Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup success since 1986 in Qatar last year, and the Barcelona great has won the Ballon d’Or trophy a record seven times.

“We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.

“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a League of Choice for the best players in the game.

“We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”