Know when Lionel Messi will join Inter Miami - get club schedule

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has officially confirmed that he will join Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami after his exit from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The 35-year-old World Cup winner has reportedly turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabia-based club Al-Hilal in order to move to the United States. 

While Messi claimed that he wanted to return to his boyhood club FC Barcelona, the ambitious transfer was almost impossible due to Financial Fair Play regulations that are in place in Spain’s top division football league.

“I am joining Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed,” Messi said in an interview to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

“It's true that I had offers from another European team but I didn't even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona. After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more,” the Argentine footballer added.

Messi currently holds the record for the most goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues. He will leave Europe with a staggering 496 goals in 575 matches, having broken the previous record held by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo (495 goals in 626 games).

He is also the most decorated footballer alongside former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, having won a record 43 titles so far.

Messi is yet to sign the Inter Miami contract as certain formalities are to be completed. As per reports, the high-profile deal also includes collaboration with brands such as Apple and Adidas.

When will Lionel Messi join Inter Miami?

World Cup winner Lionel Messi is expected to join Inter Miami once the MLS summer window opens on July 5.

Inter Miami are scheduled to face D.C. United in their Eastern Conference encounter on July 9. 

However, Messi will be on national duty as Argentina will play Australia on June 15, and later against Indonesia on June 19. He could later take a month-long break after completing national duties.

In that scenario, Messi could make his Inter Miami debut in the new Leagues Cup competition against Liga MX side Cruz Azul at home on Saturday, July 22.

Inter Miami have already played 16 games in the MLS 2023 season. They are currently placed at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with just 15 points on the board.

Inter Miami remaining schedule for 2023 season

All match times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Photo credit: Alamy