At the moment, it seems as though players throughout the soccer world are licking their lips at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi in the MLS. Upcoming New York Red Bulls rookie Peter Stroud, recently suggested that playing on the same pitch as Messi is a dream come true. And now, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate has made comments about the possibility of joining Messi at Inter Miami.
The player is none other than ex-Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal. The Chilean midfielder, who is now 36, has suggested that he could have moved to Inter Miami when he left Flamengo for Athletico Paranaense on a free transfer earlier this summer. But he made the decision to stay in Brazil instead because of his goal of winning the Copa Libertadores.
Arturo Vidal eyes fresh start in MLS to play alongside former teammate Messi
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
$757,500-rated Vidal, however, has suggested he could move to the MLS to link up with his former teammate Messi. According to a report in media outlet Depor, speaking about his desire to play with Messi at Inter Miami, Vidal said, “I would love to play with Leo.” “He and Busquets… They play by heart, and now Inter Miami plays in a similar way, with a good coach.”
“Before he played improvised, but now he has a defined system both in the way he plays and in attack. I really like the way he is now,” the Chilean added.
In the report, Vidal has also stated that he could not make the move to David Beckham-owned Inter Miami because of certain MLS rules. Speaking about the rule, Vidal stated, “In the United States there are several rules that prevent more senior players from going, that’s why it hasn’t happened.”
The Chilean defensive midfielder was an integral cog in Barcelona’s midfield between 2018-2020. This is when he played alongside Messi. The robust, tough-tackling midfielder made 66 appearances for the Blaugrana. He most famously scored in Barca’s 5–1 demolition of Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in the El Clasico, which was on their way to winning the 2018-19 La Liga title.
Also read: Minutes After MLS Debut, Lionel Messi Risks Punishment by Violating Major MLS Rule
Vidal plans to join Inter Miami in January
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Vidal’s plans to reunite with Messi at Inter Miami are not all washed up. The Depor report suggests that Vidal is waiting for another six months to join Inter Miami. This would be in the January 2024 window.
According to the Depor report, Vidal is “not experiencing comfort” in Brazil. The report also states that the Chilean star has taken an“80% salary reduction” at Athletico Paranaense. So Vidal’s intended move to the MLS could materialize in January. David Beckham’s Inter Miami can dip into the transfer market once again come the January transfer window.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So this could see Vidal link up with not just Messi but also former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as well. It’s also certain that Inter Miami and Messi fans would be relishing watching Vidal alongside Busquets in the middle of the park. This is one transfer to look out for Inter Miami fans!
WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams