Fabrizio Romano, renowned for his insights into transfers, has disclosed Lionel Messi’s choice to join Inter Miami in the MLS instead of opting for the Saudi Pro League.
Speculation had linked the Argentine with a move to the Pro League, where he would have potentially reunited with his long-standing rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Messi’s decision led him to America.
Having spent 19 years in Europe, the 36-year-old embarked on a new journey with the Herons last summer, making a significant move on a free transfer.
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Romano emphasized that Messi’s decision wasn’t primarily driven by financial motives. Instead, it seemed to be influenced by familial considerations and his proximity to Inter Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham.
“I think it was not financial,” Romano remarked on the ARLS podcast (as per GOAL). “I think it was for family reasons and also because he was close to David Beckham, and he had the chance to build a squad with some players who are his friends, like (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba.”
“He had the opportunity to create what he wanted there – that maybe would have been different in Saudi. There are different reasons, but he prepared his move to Inter Miami a long time ago. I would not say the move was close; it was a possibility, but it was never that close from what I heard.”