While Saudi football has been making some seismic moves in the last few days, it appears that the SPL has missed out on its greatest coup to-date (no offence, Cristiano), as Leo Messi looks set to join Inter Miami in next season’s MLS, rather than join Al-Hilal, or opt for an emotional return to Barcelona.
Although we’re unlikely to ever discover the real motivation behind the 35-year-old’s decision (he’s not really one for chatting), it’s felt that Barcleona couldn’t really make the numbers work on a deal while Miami, where Messi already owns property, just felt a better fit than Riyadh at this stage of his career.
Although the move is yet to be confirmed by the Messi camp, it was broken unofficially by football transfer clairvoyant Fabrizio Romano on Twitter at around 21:00 (GST) with the post: “Breaking: Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next few hours. Messi will play in the MLS next season. No more chances for Barcelona despite trying to make it happen.”
While Messi’s move to the MLS will add some much needed stardust to the team, it’s fair to say that Inter Miami has been something of a soap opera in recent weeks without the World Cup winner being on the books.
Currently finding themselves bottom of the 15-team Eastern Conference and the season halfway through—MLS season runs from February to October—it fell on the shoulders of club president David Beckham to fire his manager (friend and former Manchester United teammate, Phil Neville).
“Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions,” said Becks, “and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change.”
Whether the World Cup winner’s arrival will prompt the MLS to revisit its former glory days of the late ’70s, when Pele and Franz Beckenbauer could be found either playing in the NASL (as the league was then known) or partying in Studio 54, we’ll just have to wait and see. As for Al-Hilal, it’s back to the drawing board. However, as the last few days have seen the SPL hoovering up elite talent, we’re sure that the next superstar will soon make themselves known on the horizon.