France: Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentinian footballer, has announced his decision to join Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami after his stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.

The MLS expressed its excitement about Messi’s impending move, stating in a statement, “We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and [MLS] this summer…we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest players of all time to our league.” The MLS has seen the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Lorenzo Insigne grace its fields in recent years, and Messi’s arrival will undoubtedly add to the league’s allure.

The news of Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami has surprised many, as it was widely speculated that he would join the ambitious Saudi Premier League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez hailed the move as “enormous,” emphasizing the city’s appeal as the most exciting and dynamic in the world.

The signing of the seven-time World Player of the Year will be a significant boost for Inter Miami, a club co-owned by David Beckham. Currently struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the addition of Messi is expected to elevate the team’s performance and have a positive impact on football in the United States. If the deal goes through, it will mark the first time Messi has played league football outside of Europe.

Barcelona, Messi’s former club, presented him with a proposal to rejoin, but the player opted for a league with fewer demands and less pressure. Financial fair-play limitations prevented his return to Barcelona. Instead, Messi was enticed by Major League Soccer and the lifestyle opportunities it offers, including partnerships with major brands. Additionally, Messi already owns a house in Miami, which he currently rents out.

During his two seasons at PSG, Messi won two French league titles and the French Champions Trophy. He recently broke Ronaldo’s scoring record for Europe’s top five leagues, registering his 496th career league goal. However, his contract with PSG was not renewed due to strained relations between Messi and the club, worsened by an unauthorized trip he made to Saudi Arabia. Despite some recent challenges, Messi’s remarkable career achievements and skill on the field have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

WORLD ROUNDUP: Millions in North America under threat as wildfires worsen air quality