Lionel Messi Officially Signs Inter Miami Contract, Star Announced in Hype Video

Lionel Messi is officially a member of Inter Miami.

The club posted a hype video on Twitter announcing the signing of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

When former Paris St Germain head coach Christophe Galtier confirmed in June that Messi was leaving the club, a bidding war to sign the legendary player was expected to break out.

ESPNs Mark Ogden reported in April Messi was considering an offer from Al Hilal of the Saudi Professional League. Al Nassr, Al Hilal's city rival in Riyadh, signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December.

Instead, Messi elected to sign with Inter Miami in a deal that Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald reported is worth between $125 million and $150 million for two-and-a-half years with an option for 2026.

Per Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen, Messi also has revenue-sharing agreements with Apple and Adidas. Apple signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion streaming rights deal with MLS in 2022. Messi's deal gives him a share of the money from new subscribers who sign up for MLS Season Pass.

The hype over Messi's move to the United States reached a new level on Tuesday when he and his family arrived in Florida. The 36-year-old is adjusting quickly to his new surroundings by shopping for groceries at a Publix.

Inter Miami has announced a major unveiling event at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. Kaufman reported earlier Saturday the club is increasing security and adding more seating and VIP areas in anticipation of Messi's introduction.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has said the club is targeting its July 21 game against Cruz Azul for Messi's debut.

Messi will join Lothar Matthaus, Hristo Stoichkov and Kaká as the only Ballon d'Or winners to play in MLS.