Messi to make debut for Inter Miami in July

Following the agreement of terms between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to play his first game for Inter Miami on July 21 when the Major League Soccer side hosts Mexico’s Cruz Azul in their Leagues Cup opener.

The managing owner of Inter Miami Jorge Mas told the Miami Herald newspaper on Tuesday in an interview.

Messi and Miami are reportedly finalizing paperwork and visas after the former’s announcement of joining the club.

Reports suggest that the world cup winner will sign a two-and-a-half year deal worth $50 million to $60 million per year with an option to extend until 2026.

Mas said “Absolutely no changes in the roster rules. There are no categories or anything that is being changed to incorporate Lionel Messi onto Inter Miami’s roster,”

He noted that Messi’s arrival will serve as “the seminal moment” in the history of U.S. soccer as MLS aspires to be one of the best leagues in the world.

“I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States,” Mas said.

“I have very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world.

“Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference. I think it’s incumbent upon myself and my partners in the league, the other owners, to seize the moment.”

The Leagues Cup where Messi is expected to make his debut is an annual competition between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX clubs

The news of Messi joining Miami made profound effects in a matter of hours with ticket prices soaring 1,034% and increasing the number of followers on the team’s Instagram account from one to eight million.