Lionel Messi is all set for his groundbreaking move to Inter Miami as he leaves Europe for the first time in his professional career.
But over a month after declaring his desire to play for Inter Miami in MLS, Messi had still yet to take the field between international duty and vacation time.
The 36-year-old forward called time on his PSG career on June 3 following two years in France alongside superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Messi's PSG contract expired on June 30, 2023 with the Argentine star leaving with two French Ligue 1 titles, but having fallen short of the club's Champions League quest.
Messi will follow the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Frank Lampard as he joins Major League Soccer from a top European club. Like Beckham, he will be hoping to leave a legacy and win some silverware during his time in the States.
It has also been reported that former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba could be joining Messi in Miami. His former manager Gerardo Martino has already replaced Phil Neville as head coach.
Everything is falling into place for Messi to finally make his long-awaited debut.
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Has Lionel Messi played for Inter Miami yet?
Although his PSG contract expired on June 30, Messi is yet to make his debut for Inter Miami.
He will be officially presented in front of his home fans on Sunday, July 16 at the club's DRV PNK Stadium. His introductory press conference will happen a day later.
Messi will make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on Friday, July 21 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This means he could play in up to a maximum of 21 games in all competitions before the end of 2023 season, a total which does not include the playoffs.
If Messi manages to stay fit throughout the Leagues Cup break, he may make his MLS debut against Charlotte at home on August 20. Miami are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference and every league match will feel like a final. The club is also in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, where they will take on Cincinnati.
MORE: What jersey number will Lionel Messi have at Inter Miami?
Inter Miami remaining 2023 schedule
- Fri, July 21: vs. Cruz Azul (Leagues Cup)
- Tues, July 25: vs. Atlanta United (Leagues Cup)
- Aug. 2-4: TBD Round of 32 (Leagues Cup)
- Aug. 6-8: TBD Round of 16 (Leagues Cup)
- Aug. 11-12: TBD Quarterfinal (Leagues Cup)
- Tues, Aug. 15: TBD Semifinal (Leagues Cup)
- Sat, Aug. 19: TBD Final (Leagues Cup)
- Sun, Aug. 20: vs. Charlotte FC (MLS - Matchday 23 of 34)
- Wed, Aug. 23: at FC Cincinnati (U.S. Open Cup semifinal)
- Sat, Aug. 26: at NY Red Bulls (MLS - Matchday 24 of 34)
- Wed, Aug. 30: vs. Nashville SC (MLS - Matchday 25 of 34)
- Sun, Sept. 3: at LAFC (MLS - Matchday 26 of 34)
- Sat, Sept. 9: vs. Sporting KC (MLS - Matchday 27 of 34)
- Sat, Sept. 16: at Atlanta United (MLS - Matchday 28 of 34)
- Wed, Sept. 20: vs. Toronto FC (MLS - Matchday 29 of 34)
- Sun, Sept. 24: at Orlando City (MLS - Matchday 30 of 34)
- Wed, Sept. 27: TBD Final (U.S. Open Cup)
- Sat, Sept. 30: vs. New York City FC (MLS - Matchday 31 of 34)
- Wed, Oct. 4: at Chicago Fire (MLS - Matchday 32 of 34)
- Sat, Oct. 7: vs. FC Cincinnati (MLS - Matchday 33 of 34)
- Sat, Oct. 21: at Charlotte FC (MLS - Matchday 34 of 34)
- MLS Playoffs TBD (Inter has to finish in the top 9 places in the East)