Lionel Messi finally signs Inter Miami contract, set for glitzy ‘Unveil’, could make debut on Friday – ‘dream came true’, David Beckham says

Deal now officially done, clearing Messi for a potential debut against Mexico’s Cruz Azul – after an arrival ceremony expected to draw 18,000 fans

‘I dreamed of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city,’ says club’s co-owner David Beckham, who adds: ‘Today that dream came true’

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Lionel Messi, pictured scoring for Argentina against Jamaica in New Jersey last year, is set to make his US club debut on Friday. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:39pm, 16 Jul 2023Updated: 12:45pm, 16 Jul 2023

Lionel Messi has completed his move to Inter Miami on a deal running to 2025, the Major League Soccer outfit have announced.

The 36-year-old Argentina superstar revealed last month he had decided to join the Florida side as his contract with Paris St Germain came to an end.

With the deal now officially done, Messi is in line to make his debut for his new employers on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

The World Cup winner said in a statement from the club: “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States.

A Lionel Messi mural adorns a building in Miami ahead of his arrival. Photo: TNS

“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.”