Messi chooses Inter Miami over Barcelona, Al-Hilal as Benzema, Kante complete moves to Saudi Arabia
Following the expiration of his contract and subsequent exit from Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi has opted for a move to Manchester United legend David Beckham co-owned United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Inter Miami.
According to multiple sources including Marca and Goal, the World Cup winner is close to a move to Inter Miami after turning down the chance for a reunion with Barcelona and a world record €400 million offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
“Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours #InterMiami,” posted football journalist Fabrizio Romano. “Messi will play in MLS next season. No more chances for Barcelona despite trying to make it happen.”
They said the offer from Inter Miami, who have been a long time admirer of the 35-year-old, includes Messi receiving part of Adidas and Apple profits – the two brands are commercial partners of the club and are helping in the deal to bring the Argentine to America.
Messi will become a free agent when his contract officially expires on June 30 and would then be able to finally complete the transfer to Inter Miami.
In the other news, Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has completed a sensational move to Saudi Pro League club and the league’s new champions Al-Ittihad after 14 years, which produced 24 titles in La Liga.
The 35-year-old, who left Real Madrid after his contract expired following the recently concluded 2022/23 season in Spain, signed a two-year contract that would see the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner receive up to €400 million in salary and image rights.
“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. Al-Ittihad Club has an amazing history, incredibly passionate fans and big ambitions in football to be a force in Asia after winning the league,” Benzema said in the club’s announcement.
Also, Chelsea midfielder N’golo Kante has agreed to join Benzema at Al-Ittihad on a two-year contract worth €200 million. The French international joined the Saudi club following his expiration of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The World Cup winner has reportedly passed his medical and an official announcement is imminent.
Meanwhile, another Saudi Pro League club, Al Nassr, has tabled a €40 million a year deal to sign out-of-contract Crystal Palace star Wilfred Zaha. The Ivorian’s contract with Palace will officially expire at the end of June.
Zaha is reportedly considering all options about his future, including an opportunity to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and he has not ruled out the possibility of signing a contract extension at Selhurst Park.
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