Lionel Messi is the biggest name in the world of soccer. Whether you love, hate, or remain indifferent to the world’s most popular sport, you’ll know the name Lionel Messi. He’s the Argentine superstar who ranks as the best player of his generation, and fans believe he would hold his own in any era. His achievements in Europe make Messi a pound-for-pound legend, and he takes pride in his place in the sport’s Hall of Fame. An inspiration to young fans everywhere, Messi finally left his beloved Barcelona in 2021.
After seventeen years at Spanish champions Barca, Messi decided the time was right to move. The attacker joined the La Liga giants in 2000 as a youth player and quickly progressed through the ranks. His dribbling skills, eye for goal, and modest nature helped fast-track his journey through Barcelona C and Barcelona B teams before finally joining the first team in 2004. During his time in Spain, Lionel scored 474 goals in 520 games.
A huge hit with soccer fans everywhere, Messi was adored by followers of Barca and their rivals. Armchair fans love to watch his scoring antics, while soccer’s army of online gamblers relies on his skills when making predictions on a game using betting bonuses. And that’s no surprise, as he often scored in the biggest games shown live on television. The 36-year-old is no longer on the books of Barca, but he continues to mesmerize fans on the world stage.
Life after Barcelona
With pressure mounting on Barcelona to adhere to strict Financial Fair Play rules in Europe and in a desperate bid to pull the club back from oblivion, directors finally agreed to terminate Messi’s contract. It was a desperately sad day for followers of the Catalan club and for the Argentine who dreamt of being one of the sport’s one-club players. But the consequences of Lionel staying at Barca could’ve been much worse, with the club facing some challenging sanctions.
Still a huge name in the game, despite his previous employer’s difficulties, Messi had no trouble finding a new team. He followed in the footsteps of David Beckham and moved to French Ligue 1 champions PSG. Messi joined the Parisians in 2021, attracting the attention of the world’s biggest media outlets. Joining PSG’s other superstars, including Kylian Mbappe, Messi enjoyed two fantastic seasons in the French capital, continuing his scoring streak.
Between 2021 and 2023, Messi played 58 games for PSG, scoring 22 goals. His stay in France was less successful than many expected, and perhaps even Lionel would’ve liked, but he certainly made an impression on French soccer. Despite failing to guide his team to the elusive Champions League trophy, Messi enjoyed many great nights under the bright lights in Paris. He won back-to-back French Ligue 1 titles in 2022 and 2023, as well as the Trophee des Champions in 2022.
Messi also brought his unique brand of play to a new audience, inspiring young French soccer players to follow in his footsteps. But when his French stay ended earlier this year, he decided the time was right for an American adventure. Again, former England captain David Beckham had his say, inviting Messi to MLS side Inter Miami. Messi’s Major League Soccer career is now in full flight, and it’s time we could up on his progress in the United States.
Messiah’s arrival
After much talk and speculation regarding Messi’s future, with many newspapers linking him with a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia and one of the cash-rich Saudi Pro League teams, Messi’s connections announced his next move. It came completely out of left field and caught many soccer fans by surprise. The Messiah had signed for Inter Miami and would play in the 2023/24 MLS season.
Messi may have rebuffed the attention of the Saudi League, couldn’t make the finances work for a Barcelona return, and knocked back several contract offers from Europe, but his earning potential stayed the same. Signing for Inter Miami in the twilight of his career, many critics suggested Lionel’s time at the top level of soccer was over. However, his reported earnings when signing were $12 million, with a guaranteed compensation of more than $20 million. Who needs the Saudi Pro League with a contract like that in the United States?
Was his decision to go to the US driven entirely by finances? It’s possible, of course, but highly unlikely, as the riches offered by Saudi Arabia were astronomical. That set a challenge for the Inter Miami directors, and they stepped up to the plate, even offering Lionel a slice of the revenue generated by shirt sales and a stake in the club. Messi now sits on a board that already includes Beckham.
Messi hits the ground running
Away from the kind of finances most soccer players could only dream of attracting, how have things been going on the field of play for Messi? The great player wasted no time in showing just while the club spent big bucks to bring him to Miami, scoring one goal in his first six appearances for his new club.
He hit the ground running, scoring a wonderful goal on his MLS debut during an exciting 2-0 win for Inter Miami away to the New York Red Bulls. Teammate Diego Gomez broke the deadlock with 37 minutes on the clock before Messi put the icing on the cake with a late winner. A 1-0 lead is always fragile in soccer, and it set up a nervy end to the contest for Inter Miami. It’s a game they may have lost last season, allowing nerves to creep into their play, but in Messi, the team now has a proven goal scorer and match-winner.
He netted in the 89th minute to wrap up the points for his new club and adoring fans. Messi Mania had arrived in New York and spread across the United States. Beckham instantly took to social media to post a picture of Messi and his victorious teammates, accompanied by the caption, “Where dreams are made.” It was a dream start to life Stateside for Messi, and we’re confident there’s plenty more to come from one of the greatest soccer players who ever lived.
