The first significant Inter Miami signing of the David Beckham era appears destined to leave the Major League Soccer after his contract was terminated to make room for the impending arrival of Lionel Messi.
There is growing excitement for the Argentine icon’s grand welcome ceremony on July 16 as his move to South Beach is anticipated to be completed in the next few days.
Thousands of fans are expected to gather at Vice City’s DRV PNK Stadium to watch the 36-year-old be paraded in a special ceremony that will feature entertainment and speeches.
The Herons have teased the spectacle on their various social media pages this month, with the unique presentation having coyly been dubbed “The Unveil”.
It is believed that the World Cup winner will appear alongside fellow blockbuster signing Sergio Busquets.
Guests on the day potentially include pop superstar Shakira and rapper Bad Bunny.
Who Will Inter Miami Release For Messi?
The deal to bring the legendary forward to Florida has not been without its complications due to MLS rulings over Designated Players (DPs).
Essentially, each franchise in the league is allowed a maximum of three players earning in excess of an agreed salary cap but Miami currently have a trio of DPs on their books.
Prior to the re-opening of the MLS summer transfer window the club was already paying captain Gregore, forward Leonardo Campana and midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro over the limit.
Therefore, in order to register Messi, the Herons would have needed to either re-negotiate terms with these players or, indeed, move them on.
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In the case of Pizarro, it appears that co-owners Beckham and Jorge Mas have decided on the latter option.
The Mexican is understood to have terminated his contract with the Eastern Conference outfit ahead of a switch to Greece with AEK Athens on a free transfer, as per Transfermarkt.
Now, this means that Messi can take up the vacant DP spot on Inter Miami’s roster and finally complete his deal over the coming days.
The 29-year-old had spent the last three years on the Herons’ books but always looked the most likely candidate to be sacrificed in order to make way for the former Barcelona hero.
What Rodolfo Pizarro Said
The ex-Liga MX star was viewed as an astute coup for the Florida club in the early days following its establishment back in 2020 and his performances during his first season earned him a nomination for the Landon Donovan MVP Award.
However, he did spend time on loan with Monterrey over the last two years and has been reduced to a bit-part role this season, making 13 outings.
The inverted winger had given his own thoughts on the prospect of being moved on by the club this summer following Messi’s announcement of his intentions to move stateside.
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Criticising MLS rules, he said: “I do think it’s hard, I have a contract. I didn’t know I could be traded anyways. It’s a bit strange.
“I think it’s the only league in the world that does this.”
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