Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami are reportedly on the brink of agreeing a history-making deal to bring PSG superstar Lionel Messi to America.
Reports on Sunday claim that Inter Milan bosses, including co-owner David Beckham, are confident that Messi will put pen-to-paper on the deal after Argentina’s World Cup campaign in Qatar is complete.
However, the 35-year-old would not make the move to Miami until the end of the European season.
Messi looks set to become the highest-paid player in MLS history, as per The Times.
The same report states that Inter want to build their side around the Argentine legend. They are also keen on adding two of his former Barcelona teammates in Cesc Fabregas and Luis Suarez.
Fabregas, 35, is currently playing in Serie B for Como. Suarez, also 35, is back in his native Uruguay with Nacional.
Inter Milan’s chase for Messi has been well publicised. Indeed, co-owner Jorge Mas revealed to the Miami Herald they were hopeful of securing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s signature in June of last year.
Messi already has Miami base
Messi also already owns a home in the area and regularly spends time in Miami.
Speaking to the Spanish press last year, the forward confessed: “I would like to play in the United States one day. It’s always been one of my dreams.”
With Messi’s contract running out next summer, he is free to discuss a transfer from January. However, his current salary of £1.2million per week is bound to present issues.
Messi moving to America would be a huge lift for the MLS brand, while the US, Canada and Mexico will all host the next World Cup in 2026.
And speaking to Sport Central last year, Miami co-owner Mas explained: “We want to be the point of reference for soccer in the United States. But when you talk about the best players in the world, Leo is obviously the best player on the planet.
“Hopefully the conditions will be met for him to be there, playing with the Inter Miami jersey. We aspire to that. I hope the circumstances are given.”
Messi is currently looking to cement his Argentina legacy in Qatar as he chases a first-ever World Cup triumph.
Having suffered a shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their first game, Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 on Saturday. They now have qualification in their own hands ahead of their clash with Poland on Wednesday evening.