Last Updated: December 06, 2023, 15:05 IST
Lionel Messi (Credit: Twitter)
Lionel Messi not too long ago left Paris Saint-Germain and signed a free switch to be a part of MLS crew Inter Miami.
Inter Miami ahead Lionel Messi has admitted he was attracted to becoming a member of Cristiano Ronaldo in ‘very powerful’ Saudi Pro League earlier than his switch to MLS.
During the summer time, Messi left Paris Saint-Germain and signed a free switch to be a part of MLS crew Inter Miami. Having received the Leagues Cup and enticed Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to be a part of the crew, the World Cup champion has gone on to have a big affect on American soccer.
Messi has now acknowledged that he critically thought-about shifting to the Middle East to observe his enduring rival Ronaldo, and that he did have the prospect to transfer to the Saudi Pro League as an alternative.
“My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen. It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future. It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me,” stated Messi.
Despite making vital investments to signal gamers like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, the Saudi Pro League was unable to signal Messi, though they acquired excessive-ball bids. Instead, Messi selected to reside within the United States, the place his affect is seen off the sector.
According to stories, regardless of elevating their charges in response to Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami has already offered out of season tickets for 2024. A-listers like LeBron James and Kim Kardashian have been drawn to watch the Argentine celebrity play, which has led to a spike in curiosity within the sport within the United States.
Messi joined Miami in July and scored 11 objectives in 14 video games in all competitions to assist them carry the Leagues Cup, their first ever trophy. The 36-yr-previous additionally received the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in October.
Earlier on Tuesday, Messi was introduced ‘Athlete of the Year’ by TIME journal.
