When David Beckham announced plans to start an MLS franchise, he promised to lure top-tier talent to Miami. Now, as the soccer world watches in awe, Beckham’s club, Inter Miami CF, has delivered on that promise in spectacular fashion by signing both Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
Messi and Busquets: Soccer Titans Join MLS
In a stunning announcement, Inter Miami confirmed the arrival of Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his former Barcelona teammate Busquets. These signings mark a significant milestone for the MLS, signaling the league’s growing global stature and increasing appeal to world-class talent.
Messi’s Arrival: A Seminal Moment for MLS
Messi’s move to Inter Miami is seen as a turning point for the MLS. The Argentinian maestro’s decision to cross the Atlantic and join the league has been hailed as a watershed moment, set to boost the profile of American soccer globally.
“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.
Lionel Messi
“Football is like a game of chess. You have to think several moves ahead and anticipate your opponent’s next move. It’s not about who runs the fastest or kicks the hardest, it’s about who thinks the fastest.”
The Financial Implications of Messi’s Signing
Bringing Messi on board was not a cheap endeavor. Inter Miami’s Managing Owner, Jorge Mas, confirmed that Messi, the club’s newly signed designated player, will earn between $50 million and $60 million annually over the course of his contract, which runs until 2025.
To put this into perspective, Messi’s yearly earnings will be higher than the combined 2023 team salaries of several MLS clubs, including Real Salt Lake, Orlando City SC, New York Red Bulls, St. Louis City SC, and CF Montreal.
Despite the hefty price tag, Messi’s arrival is expected to bring an unprecedented level of attention and interest to the MLS, making it a worthwhile investment for the league.
Busquets Joins Messi in Miami: A Barcelona Reunion
In addition to Messi, Inter Miami also announced the signing of Sergio Busquets, another Barcelona stalwart. Busquets, a World Cup winner and nine-time La Liga champion will join Messi in Miami, adding further star power to the team.
Inter Miami’s Sporting Director Chris Henderson expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, “We’re very happy to bring somebody of Sergio’s pedigree to Inter Miami. He is one of the smartest players to ever play the sport; he reads the game at an unprecedented level and impacts every facet of play.”
Looking Ahead: What Messi and Busquets Bring to Inter Miami
The arrival of Messi and Busquets not only elevates Inter Miami’s star power but also brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and skill to the team. Both players have enjoyed illustrious careers at Barcelona, amassing a plethora of individual accolades and team trophies.
Messi, in particular, boasts a record seven Ballon d’Or titles, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, and two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls. He has also won the UEFA Champions League four times, an Olympic gold medal, three FIFA Club World Cups, ten La Liga titles, and two Ligue 1 titles.
Busquets, on the other hand, has been a mainstay in Barcelona’s midfield for over a decade, renowned for his vision, passing ability, and defensive prowess. He has won the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and multiple La Liga titles.
The addition of these two players will undoubtedly boost Inter Miami’s competitiveness in the MLS and may even change the league’s approach to roster building and spending.
The Impact on MLS: A League Evolving?
The signings of Messi and Busquets may serve as a catalyst for MLS to reassess its roster rules and spending limitations, particularly as more clubs show a desire to bring in big-name players.
As the MLS continues to grow and evolve, the arrival of Messi and Busquets could mark an inflection point in the league’s history, potentially opening the door for more global superstars to consider the MLS as a viable and attractive option for their careers.
The Road Ahead: An Exciting Future for MLS
With Messi and Busquets in their ranks, Inter Miami has made a statement of intent for the coming season. Their signings bode well for the future of the club and the MLS as a whole, indicating a brighter, more star-studded future for the league.
As Inter Miami gears up for a new era with Messi and Busquets, fans worldwide will be eagerly waiting to see how these two footballing giants will reshape the landscape of American soccer.
“This is a historic moment for Inter Miami, MLS, and futbol in the United States, both on the sporting side and in this new era of business opportunities,” said Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer. “We’re tremendously proud to have been able to present Leo with an extraordinary project that we’re sure will be beneficial for all of the parties involved.”
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