Lionel Messi considered moving to Saudi Arabia or back to Barcelona before he joined Inter Miami.
In an interview with TIME Magazine, where he was just recently named Athlete of the Year, the World Cup winner spoke about nearly moving to Saudi Arabia before signing with Inter Miami.
“As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition,” the 36-year-old said.
Messi continued: “It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”
The Argentine announced his intentions to join Inter Miami on June 8th. He was officially announced by the club on July 15th and forever changed the American soccer landscape.
Had he moved to Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer would’ve missed out on watching the greatest player of all time.
Inter Miami and Messi are ready for next season
Inter Miami is looking forward to 2024.
The Fort Lauderdale-based team wants to win more silverware after a disappointing end to 2023.
With Luis Suárez on his way to the club, the sky is the limit for Tata Martino’s men.
Although many fans and pundits consider Miami the favorite to challenge for the MLS Cup, change is needed.
Sporting Director Chris Henderson told the media in his end-of-year press conference that Miami will be active within the trade market to improve the roster: “Without tipping what we’re going to do in trades, I do feel that we need to have competition in every spot.”
Miami’s offseason is in full swing. Whatever happens between now and late February when the season kicks off, Inter Miami’s front office is on a mission to improve the squad.