Should the deal be finalized, Messi’s signing would be the biggest coup for M.L.S.
That deal shifted perceptions of the league’s quality, and its ambitions, around the world; capturing Messi would, if anything, deliver even more attention to the league in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Messi admitted, in his interview, that Miami had — perhaps — not been his first choice of destination as his contract at his most recent team, Paris St.-Germain, ran down.
He “obviously really wanted to return,” he said, and had discussed the idea with both Xavi Hernández, the club’s manager, and Joan Laporta, its president.
Ultimately, though, Barcelona’s financial turmoil forced his hand.
Persons:
Beckham, Messi, Germain, “, ”, Hernández, Joan Laporta
Organizations:
Barcelona
Locations:
Miami, Paris St, Barcelona, Catalonia, Europe, Argentina