Lionel Messi has made the decision to sign with Inter Miami, which might drastically change the path of Major League Soccer. The MLS and Miami won a three-horse race against Barcelona and Saudi Arabia to sign the finest player in the world after days of momentum and a years-long chase.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday, Messi made the announcement, confirming past rumors. Although no contract has yet been signed and no specifics have been made public, it is said to be a complicated, two-and-a-half-year agreement with a total worth well over $100 million.

According to reports, the arrangement will include commercial agreements for a portion of the broadcast and product revenue that the Argentine superstar will produce with Apple and Adidas, two important MLS partners. Additionally, it might provide Messi the choice to invest in Inter Miami after his playing career is over.

This deal will unquestionably raise soccer’s profile in the United States over the long term. On Wednesday, demand for Inter Miami tickets increased as rival clubs made preparations to host the world’s most well-known athlete.

Messi can’t formally sign with Inter Miami until the MLS summer transfer window begins on July 5. His contract with Paris Saint-Germain legally expires at the end of June. He’ll probably make his debut in either July or August. A July 21 match versus Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a month-long competition that includes teams from North America and Mexico, is one suggested date. After that, the MLS season will resume, and Messi will have the difficult challenge of guiding a team that is currently in last place.

Although his American adventure should be less demanding than the European club circuit, Messi may be able to extend his successful career. He is anticipated to represent Argentina at the Copa America in 2024, which will take place in the United States. He might still aspire for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will also co-host.