Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has confirmed that Lionel Messi will make his debut on 21 July against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
The Argentinian will turn 36 on Saturday and has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Florida-based outfit on a contract worth up to $60m-a-year.
Lionel Messi set for Inter Miami debut in July
The mid-season MLS break during the final two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August means he won’t make his MLS debut until at least 20 August against Charlotte FC.
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, the Argentinian’s contract will include bonus and equity in the club. Notably, the number 10 shirt for which Messi has become synonymous remains available with the World Cup winner expected to don the number for one more club side.
Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas confirms Lionel Messi will make his debut on 21 July against Liga MX side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.🇦🇷
Messi's 2.5-year contract is worth up to $60m a year and includes salary, bonuses and equity in the club.🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/EVRLLgwr4a
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 20, 2023
It only took two minutes for Messi to score whilst on international duty for Argentina in a 2-0 win against Australia in Beijing on Thursday, his fastest-ever goal for his country.
Messi is set to be joined in Miami by former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets with announcements expected to be made imminently.
