Advertisement

Messi says he’s going to play with Inter Miami CF. When could you see him vs. Charlotte FC?

Yukihito Taguchi/USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, could be on the verge of heading to MLS.

MLS club Inter Miami CF has emerged as the front-runner to sign the international superstar striker, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Media reports indicated that the Argentina star has reached a deal with Inter Miami, though club officials have not confirmed the speculation.

Messi, 35, is due to become a free agent when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of June, and the French champions announced last week that the former Barca star, who moved to Parc des Princes in 2021, will not remain at the club beyond the end of his deal.

Until leaving the club in 2021, Messi had spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, winning 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and the UEFA Champions League four times. With his country, he won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The news of Messi playing in the MLS has already created a surge in match ticket prices across the league, including in Charlotte.

Charlotte FC, which is scheduled to host Inter Miami CF on Oct. 21 at Bank of America Stadium, has seen resale ticket prices jump to as high as $10,000 for a seat in the lower level, according to Ticketmaster.

The lowest price currently is $225 for a seat in Section 319.

Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina was asked about Messi coming into the league.

“What can I say about Messi? For me the biggest player in the world … MLS will gain more respect in the world,” he said.