Lionel Messi is set to take his trade to the United States as he prepares for a move to Inter Miami in MLS.
The Argentina legend has decided to leave PSG this summer following the expiration of his contract. Despite interest from former club Barcelona as well as a huge offer from Saudi Arabia, Messi chose Miami as his new home.
The 35-year-old won the World Cup back in December 2022 and is looking to add another Ballon d'Or to his collection in 2023. He will undoubtedly be the biggest name to play in MLS throughout the history of the league.
The Sporting News looks at how you can buy a Messi Inter Miami jersey ahead of his imminent transfer.
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Cheapest way to buy a Messi Inter Miami jersey
Although Messi has announced his move to America, the transfer will not be official until July 1, 2023. This is because his contract with PSG comes to an end on June 30, 2023.
This means that Messi's squad number will not be announced until his move goes through at the start of July. Nobody on the Inter Miami roster currently wears the number 10 jersey, and many are tipping Messi to return to the iconic digits.
The Miami website will not sell Messi jerseys until the transfer becomes official, but fans can choose to put the winger's name on a custom jersey. It will however be a risk as Messi's squad number has not been announced.
The cheapest kit on the website is a youth Inter Miami jersey, which is going for $104.99. The lowest price for a women's kit is $114.99 while the cheapest men's kit is $199.99.
Inter Miami Messi jerseys can be bought on other websites such as Amazon or Etsy for far lower prices, but the same risk applies to the shirt number and also the quality of the kit.
When will Messi makes his Inter Miami debut?
Despite Messi's contract starting on July 1, 2023, he is set to make his debut three weeks after this date. This is due to international fixtures with Argentina causing an extended break for the forward.
His first appearance for Inter Miami is expected to be against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the North and Central America Leagues Cup on July 21, 2023. This means he could play at least 15 times for the club this season, potentially more depending on cup success and league finish.
MORE: When will Lionel Messi debut for Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi's contract, salary at Inter Miami
Due to the structure of the MLS season, running through the summer months in contrast to the majority of European campaigns, Messi has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in Miami.
Messi will also receive an ownership stake in the club as part of his contract, with advertising and image rights talks ongoing with Apple, Adidas, and potentially Fanatics.
As per reports from the Miami Herald, Messi's deal will be worth £125m-$150m/£100m-£120m in total, which breaks down at around $4.1m$5m/£3.3m/£4m per month.