Inter Miami to sign Lionel Messi ahead of Al Hilal and Barcelona | OneFootball

Major League Soccer club Inter Miami will sign Lionel Messi when he leaves Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to Guillem Balague.

The David Beckham-owned franchise has been planning a move to sign the 35-year-old for some time now and have won the race.

Messi wanted to return to Barcelona, but the club’s dire financial situation has made it difficult for them to make an offer.

They only managed to register their academy youngster Gavi after passing the numerous financial sustainability hurdles set by La Liga.

Barca coach Xavi Hernandez has been publicly putting pressure on the Argentine attacker to return to Catalonia despite knowing fully well the problem lies with the club.

Barcelona have still not tabled a feasible offer to the player’s camp as they put their house in order.

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have had no problem tendering an enormous offer to the 2022 World Cup winner.

They reportedly offered him a deal worth over €1 billion across his stay in the Gulf nation. However, Messi has accepted an offer from Miami.

Miami and Barca could organise a joint deal which would allow him to join the Catalans on loan for six months.

Missing out on Messi is a blow to the Saudis, who have been hoovering up veteran players from top European leagues in recent months.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have already moved, while N’Golo Kante could join them in the Saudi Pro League.

Europe’s top clubs are unlikely to be too concerned but may change their stance if the Saudis target younger players.