Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently disclosed the rationale behind Lionel Messi decision to join forces with Inter Miami FC and Major League Soccer (MLS) instead of opting for the Saudi Pro League, where Cristiano Ronaldo ventured last year.
The football community was taken aback by Messi’s move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami club in the US, marking the most significant MLS deal to date.
Amidst a flurry of transfers, including notable figures like Karim Benzema and Neymar departing Paris Saint-Germain for Saudi clubs, Messi’s decision was initially anticipated to align with the trend towards Saudi Arabia.
In a conversation with the ARLS podcast, Romano shared insights, stating, “Messi had been eyeing the Inter Miami move long before the Saudi Arabia interest materialized.”
Romano elaborated, suggesting that the decision wasn’t solely driven by financial factors but also by familial considerations. Additionally, Messi’s proximity to David Beckham and the opportunity to shape a team with familiar faces such as Busquets and Alba factored into his choice.
“He had the chance to mold the team according to his preferences, which might have been a different scenario in Saudi Arabia,” Romano continued. “There were various factors at play, but Messi had been planning his move to Inter Miami well in advance. While discussions with other options existed, they never progressed as far as indicated.”
In hindsight, Messi’s decision seems apt, as the MLS witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, surpassing the accomplishments of the Saudi Pro League, as reported by Inter Miami News.
Contrastingly, Cristiano Ronaldo embarked on a journey to Saudi Pro club Al Nassr in early 2023, where he continued to make waves both personally and for the league.
