Messi to Inter Miami nears as MLS franchise makes OFFICIAL transfer announcement

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 15 Jul 2023 12:09 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami has taken a giant step closer with the news that the MLS franchise has freed up a designated player spot for the World Cup winner.

Messi’s switch to David Beckham’s club has been on the cards for weeks – even before he became a free agent when his PSG contract expired on 30 June – but is still yet to be made official.

One of the reasons that Messi was unable to sign was that the MLS franchise were without a free designated player spot.

MORE: Chelsea star SLAMMED for picking Milan over following Messi to MLS

The side that is bottom of the MLS’ Eastern Conference, though, moved to rectify that late on Friday as they released Mexico international Rodolfo Pizarro from his deal.

“Inter Miami CF announced today it has agreed to mutually terminate the contract of midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro,” a statement on the franchise’s website reads on the 29-year-old, who previously expressed his frustration at MLS rules allowing him to play with Barcelona legend Messi.

MORE: When will Lionel Messi make his Inter Miami debut?

Messi to Inter Miami latest

Guillem Balague has provided the latest in Messi’s transfer saga, indicating that the contract should be finalised within a matter of hours.

The Spanish journalist tweeted: “Absolutely all ok and the signature in the contracts should take place in the next few hours.

“But the fact it has not been signed yet is confirmation of a couple of things.

“Firstly, the Inter Miami option was a last-minute one when he realised going to FCB, his first idea, was not possible.

“Secondly, unlike what has been said in the past, it was not all done months ago with the MLS (players agree terms with the league).

“In fact, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas admitted recently it was by the end of May when he was convinced the Messi arrival would definitely happen, never before.

“Wording in contracts is being agreed, so the whole thing is really in the last stage.”

Inter Miami will become Messi’s third club after Barcelona and PSG.