Inter Miami FC's lineup is on the brink of a transformation, looking increasingly like a "Barcelona Legends" roster with the prospect of Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, joining the Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Messi's charisma on the field seems to have drawn his ex-teammates to Miami, setting the stage for a Barcelona reunion in the United States.
Club co-owner David Beckham has been vocal about his ambition to attract the European football elite to end their distinguished careers in Miami. Following Messi's signing, Beckham's dream appears closer to reality.
Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that Messi turned down a generous offer from Saudi Arabia, as well as the potential return to Barcelona, in favor of Inter Miami. Despite Barcelona's willingness to make significant financial adjustments, Messi chose a different path.
Messi publicly declared, "I have decided to go to Inter Miami. Although the deal is not 100% sealed, I've resolved to continue on this path." His announcement sparked a wave of excitement among American soccer fans.
The Argentine confessed his fondness for Barcelona, yet the circumstances surrounding his departure in 2021 encouraged him to take a different route. Messi said, "I was keen on returning, but the way things unfolded before led me to avoid the same situation. I did not want to leave my future in the hands of others."
Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 was unexpected. Despite his intention to extend his contract, the club's financial troubles forced him to accept a profitable two-year contract from Paris Saint-Germain. "Given the uncertainty around my registration with LaLiga in 2021, I feared the same thing could happen again," Messi explained.
Sergio Busquets, Messi's successor as captain at Barcelona, is also tipped for a move to Inter Miami. Busquets, whose contract expires this summer, has indicated that he won't renew. Despite lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Messi's announcement may convince Busquets to opt for the MLS.
Additionally, Barcelona's Jordi Alba is rumored to be in advanced discussions with Inter Miami. Originally contracted with Barcelona until 2024, Alba and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract early, making him eligible for a transatlantic move.
The departures will leave Barcelona's coach Xavi Hernandez with a depleted squad, especially after Gerard Pique's premature retirement during the 2022-23 season. However, the exodus will ease the club's wage bill, granting Xavi greater flexibility in restructuring his team for the long-term future.
