Lionel Messi on his way to America? David Beckham attracts the Argentine star with Inter Miami

He has been linked with a return to FC Barcelona for months, and Paris Saint-Germain is trying to renew his expired contract, but in Miami they are convinced that Lionel Messi will play in the Major League Soccer next year.

The 35-year-old Messi moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 after a lot of trouble. The Argentine had to go to Paris, but in the run-up to this month’s World Cup in Qatar, the 35-year-old appears to be back at his top level once again. After 17 games, he has scored 12 goals and 13 assists this season.

Conversations between Messi and Inter Miami according to, inter alia, the athlete It has been going on for months. Jorge and Jose Mas, the club’s owner alongside David Beckham, are leading talks with Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father. A pre-contract can be signed after the World Cup.

Lionel Messi beats Barcelona's Alex (left), Blaise Matuidi and David Beckham (right) of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final, April 2013. — Lionel Messi beats Barcelona’s Alex (left), Blaise Matuidi and David Beckham (right) of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final, April 2013. © Reuters

Early in 2018, when the former professional Beckham was told he could enter the MLS with Miami, he received a message from Messi. “Who knows, maybe you’ll call me in a few years,” the Argentine said in the video message. After that, he dropped several times that he would like to play football in America. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner already has a home in Miami.

In the 1970s, Pelé sparked a revival in soccer’s popularity in the United States. The Brazilian star tied in full stadiums with the New York Cosmos, Johan Cruyff and Willem van Hanegem, among others, who also played in the American competition.

David Beckham in 2010 playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy. © Reuters

After the departure of the big stars, the competition collapsed again. Since 2007 it has been David Beckham who has taken over American football for the LA Galaxy. With the popularity of the British on and off the field, the prestige of the MLS has grown. The next step can be taken with Messi.

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