Lionel Messi probably won’t make his Inter Miami debut before the end of July, and supporters will have to wait even for the player’s formal introduction.
Fans wait for Messi in Miami shirt: The Argentine superstar said on Wednesday that he had already decided where to play his next match after letting his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
His declaration, “I’ve decided that I am going to Miami,” sparked a frenzy among American supporters. But after dropping that shock, he said, “I don’t have (the deal) 100% sealed,” because of that caveat and ongoing obligations to the Argentine national team, his fans will have to wait.
According to a person involved with the negotiations, the deal still requires a lot of work, even as ticket prices for upcoming games that could feature Messi are already skyrocketing.
To play in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi must first sign a contract, which could take some time given the peculiar rules and structure of the North American league.
Several difficulties in his contract will require the lawyers’ attention on both sides under the collective bargaining agreement that the MLS operates with its player’s union. This agreement covers compensation and pay ceilings.
The fact that Messi’s contract reportedly includes a revenue-sharing component with Apple TV, which broadcasts MLS games internationally, further complicates the procedure.
Miami decides to withhold the release of a statement announcing the deal beyond an initial social media post, and they have chosen not to respond to inquiries for comment, indicating their priority of first securing the contract’s signature.
Lionel Messi’s Potential Move to Inter Miami and MLS Raises Excitement and Timing Challenges
The sole remark made by MLS was carefully phrased.
We’re happy that Lionel Messi intends to sign with Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer. The statement expressed that they look forward to bringing one of the greatest soccer players of all time to their league, acknowledging that there is still work to be done to finalize a formal deal.
They would need to exert significant effort to fulfill the procedures before early next week, and only after that would they make the deal public.
Given that he would be heading to Asia with Argentina for two games the following week, bringing Messi to Miami swiftly for a formal presentation to fans and media might be challenging.
On June 15, the World Cup champions took on Australia in Beijing before taking on Indonesia four days later in Jakarta.
The most likely possibility is that Messi will fly to Miami following those contests.
When will he enter the field? Many believe that the Leagues Cup match with the Mexican team Cruz Azul on July 21 is the most likely time for the event.