Lionel Messi is reportedly close to signing a deal with American club Inter Miami after the World Cup.
According to The Times, the 35-year-old Argentine will join from PSG at the end of the current French season, inking a deal to become the MLS’ highest paid player in history.
Messi’s contract at the French giants expires at the end of the campaign, though the club is keen to extend his deal.
However, Inter Miami part-owner David Beckham has reportedly been personally involved in the push to convince Messi to take on the MLS.
The MLS season begins in February, but Messi’s mid-season arrival would be a major boost to the sport in the USA, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
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According to The Times, the club will also target a pair of Messi’s former teammates at Barcelona – Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas – to sweeten the deal.
Suarez recently enjoyed a short stint with Nacional in his native Uruguay to prepare for the World Cup in Qatar, while Fabregas represents Como in Italy’s second division.
Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, equalled Diego Maradona’s eight World Cup goals with a brilliant strike against Mexico.
He has now scored in four different World Cups as he continues to chase the one trophy which has so far eluded him.
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