Only a month and a half ago, Lionel Messi announced his intention to join Miami International, and the USL side officially unveiled the news on Sunday (16): Messi has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the team and will wear the symbolic No. 10 in the new season. Miami International owner David Beckham could not hide his excitement, claiming that this move fulfills a promise he made ten years ago.
Ahead of Messi's official debut at Miami International on Monday (17th), the two sides have completed the signing formalities, securing Messi's loyalty for the next four years with a whopping annual salary of US$60 million (approximately HK$468 million). In his signing statement, Messi expressed his excitement: I am very excited to start a new chapter of my career in Miami, USA, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and together we will realize this ambitious plan.
Beckham, the owner of Miami International, was even more excited when he said, "Ten years ago, I started to prepare for the establishment of this team, and at that time, I promised to bring the world's greatest player to this beautiful city. Today, my dream has finally come true. I am proud to have a top player like Lionel Messi joining us, and I warmly welcome Messi and his family to the Miami International family.
