Lionel Messi speaks for the first time since confirming transfer to Inter Miami | OneFootball

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ionel Messi has confirmed his move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

The World Cup winner was strongly linked with a return to Barcelona or a move to the Saudi Pro League after his departure from Barcelona but will instead link up with David Beckham’s MLS franchise.

The 35-year-old will officially leave Paris Saint-Germain next month after an underwhelming two-year stint in the French capital, calling an end to one of the most remarkable careers European football has ever seen.

While Messi achieved his crowning glory with Argentina in Qatar in December, it was his trophy-laden spell at Barca between 2004 and 2021 that propelled him into the pantheon of football’s greats.

Negotiations were reportedly led by Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas, while MLS partners Apple and Adidas have worked on the deal.

Apple recently took on broadcast rights for MLS, while Adidas have a long-term association with both the league and Messi himself.

“I’m gonna join Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed,” said Messi to Mundo Deportivo.

“If it had been a matter of money, I’d have gone to Arabia or elsewhere. It seemed like a lot of money to me.

“The truth is that my final decision goes elsewhere and not because of money.”