Argentina’s Lionel Messi is prone to play his first recreation for Inter in opposition to Mexican facet Cruz Azul within the regional Leagues Cup competitors. File| Photo Credit: AFP

Lionel Messi is anticipated to make his Major League Soccer debut with Inter Miami at a July 21 dwelling recreation, the crew has confirmed.

Owner Jorge Mas instructed chosen retailers on Monday that his membership and Messi have agreed to phrases and are finalising paperwork and a visa. The crew confirmed sure particulars Tuesday to AP, together with that Messi shall be signing a contract by way of the top of the 2025 season with an possibility for 2026.

Messi's contract shall be value $50 million to $60 million per yr, the crew stated Tuesday. He can't signal till someday in July, after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires.

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Messi, 35, announced on June 7 that he was joining Miami. The Argentinian nice's first recreation in Fort Lauderdale could be in opposition to Cruz Azul within the Leagues Cup.

The crew additionally confirmed Tuesday that it's rising capability at DRV PNK Stadium by 3,000 to three,200 seats within the subsequent 4 weeks by filling within the corners, elevating capability to about 22,000.

“I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States," Mas told the Miami Herald.

“I have a very, very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world. I cannot overemphasise the magnitude of this announcement.”

Miami is also finalising a contract with midfielder Sergio Busquets, Messi's former Barcelona teammate, the Herald stated, citing a league supply.

Mas additionally stated he hopes to begin building through the subsequent two weeks on Miami Freedom Park, the crew's long-term dwelling close to Miami International Airport, and is focusing on to have the venue open in the summertime or fall of 2025, the Herald reported.

Miami plans to boost safety, bussing gamers into the stadium for video games, Mas stated.