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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 21: Inter Miami midfielder Lionel Messi (10) raises his fists to fans as a celebration to his goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup game between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF on Friday, July 21, 2023 at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 21: Inter Miami midfielder Lionel Messi (10) raises his fists to fans as a celebration to his goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup game between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF on Friday, July 21, 2023 at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi shocked the world during the ongoing summer transfer window when he decided to make a switch and join Inter Miami despite multiple offers from Saudi Arabia on the table. The Argentine talisman after his two years spell with Paris Saint Germain in Ligue 1, will don Inter Miami’s pink in the MLS.
Former Al-Hilal striker and ex-Manchester United number 25, Odion Ighalo spoke on Lionel Messi’s alleged move to Al-Hilal mentioning that he was stunned when Messi decided to join Miami instead.
Lionel Messi Would Make Twice Of What Cristiano Ronaldo Is Earning
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Based on multiple reports, Lionel Messi was offered huge money deals to join rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal leading the race as they had allegedly offered the player £1billion over two years. However, Messi ultimately snubbed the deal as he chose the United States as his new home.
With plans of roping in Messi in this transfer window, Al-Hilal had allegedly not decided to renew Odion Ighalo’s contract to reserve an overseas slot for the Argentine legend. Ighalo speaking on Messi’s move to Inter Miami said that he was surprised the Argentine had decided to snub the deal considering the amount of money involved.
“I’m shocked Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia because it was part of why my contract was not being extended. I thought it was a done deal. The money they were offering him in Saudi was crazy. He was going to earn twice what Ronaldo was earning. I was shocked he didn’t go there. He chose Miami.”
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Lionel Messi Arrives At Inter Miami In Style
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – JULY 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after kicking the game winning goal during the second half of the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi had a memorable debut for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul where the ex-Barcelona superstar scored a 94th minute winner to guide his team to a 2-1 win against their opponents. Messi who stepped on the pitch in the 54th minute made some great showings before converting a free kick right before the whistle to find a picture perfect finish for his team.
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With a win in his opening fixture, Messi will now be looking forward to taking the team into a positive direction. With the reports of Inter Miami looking to re-unite Messi with former teammate Luis Suarez, the Argentine could be well on his way to push Inter Miami put off the last place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
