Lionel Messi on his way to America? David Beckham signs Argentine superstar to Inter Miami

He has been linked with a return to FC Barcelona for months, with Paris-Saint Germain trying to renew his expiring contract, but in Miami they believe Lionel Messi will play in the American MLS next year.

Messi, 35, moved from Barcelona to PSG in the summer of 2021 after several setbacks. Argentina had to travel to Paris, but the 35-year-old attacker seems to have found his best form again ahead of this month’s World Cup in Qatar. After 17 games, he has 12 goals and 13 assists this season.

Talks between Messi and Inter Miami, among others, Athletic Been going on for months. Jorge and Jose Mas, who own the club with David Beckham, are in talks with Lionel’s father, Jorge Messi. A preliminary agreement could be signed after the World Cup.

Lionel Messi beats Barcelona's Alex (L), Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi and David Beckham (R) in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in April 2013. — Lionel Messi beats Barcelona’s Alex (L), Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi and David Beckham (R) in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in April 2013. © REUTERS

In 2018, when ex-pro Beckham was tipped to enter MLS with Miami, he received a message from Messi. “Who knows, in a few years you’ll call me,” the Argentine said in a video message. After that, he repeatedly gave up wanting to play football in America. The seven-time Golden Ball winner already has a home in Miami.

In the 1970s, Pele sparked a revival of soccer’s popularity in the United States. The Brazilian star drew full stadiums with the New York Cosmos and Johan Cruyff and Willem van Hanekem, and played in the US tournament.

David Beckham played for LA Galaxy in 2010. © REUTERS

After the departure of the big stars, the competition declined again. Since 2007, David Beckham has taken over American football with the LA Galaxy. With Britain’s popularity on and off the field, the value of MLS grew. The next step could be taken with Messi.

Inter Miami made it to the playoffs this season, but were eliminated by New York City in the first round. That immediately marked the end of Gonzalo Higuain’s career. The Argentine striker (34) made 70 appearances and scored 29 goals in three years in America.

World champion

If Messi wants to become world champion with Argentina, it has to happen this year. The World Cup football tournament is going on in Qatar His last He announced last month.