Lionel Messi - Eibar v FC Barcelona, May 19, 2019 | Action Images
UPDATE (Friday, 10 am ET): Rumors of Barcelona star Lionel Messi coming to Inter Miami have picked up steam, with The Miami Herald reporting that club officials are in Europe this week.
Owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas, as well sporting director Paul McDonough, are all reportedly in the Spanish city. Fanning the flames, Mas even posted a photo with Beckham about being overseas on business.
Aside from Messi, the 2020 expansion club has prior links to Barcelona striker Luis Suarez.
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TUESDAY, 2 PM ET: Strike up the latest Lionel Messi to Inter Miami rumors.
The Barcelona legend is again linked to the MLS expansion side, with Catalunya radio reporting David Beckham has reached out to Messi and his camp about playing for Beckham's club.
Club de la Mitjanit also reports that the Barcelona board is aware of the interest.
There's reportedly a clause in Messi’s contract, which is through 2021, that states the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can leave Barcelona for free in June, when Messi will be 33. If Messi goes to another club before June, it triggers a $773M buyout.
Barcelona, though, apparently won’t go down without a fight.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are set to offer Messi a lifetime contract, ensuring he doesn’t leave next year, while Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who confirmed the clause, telling Barca TV he’s not worried about Messi’s departure because of his loyalty. to the Catalan club.
Gerard Pique is also apparently not fazed by the possibility of Messi coming to MLS.
