Lionel Messi is officially an Inter Miami player as the World Cup winner signed his contract with the Major League Soccer (MLS) side.
The 36-year-old announced his intentions to move to the United States back on June 7, but he had to wait for his Paris Saint-Germain contract to expire on June 30 following two seasons in the French capital.
He has now signed his contract to formally begin his time in the MLS, leaving Europe for the first time in his professional career. His arrival was confirmed via a social media video released by Inter Miami on July 15.
Fans will now be eager to see his presentation before his first minutes as a Miami player. The Sporting News outlines what comes next.
MORE: All the trophies that Messi can win at Inter Miami
Messi officially signs Inter Miami contract
Although everyone knew the destination of Messi's next adventure, the announcement of his signing was still an important moment that cemented his decision to play in the USA for Inter Miami.
Jorge Mas, who is the co-owner of the MLS club, previously told Spanish Newspaper El Pais that Messi will earn between $50-$60 million (£39-£47 million) per year at the club.
Several reports indicated that league partners Adidas and Fanatics contributed to making the deal happen. ESPN reported that a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV's MLS Season Pass will also go the Argentina international.
According to the Miami Herald, Messi's contract will last for two-and-a-half years through the end of the 2025 MLS season with an option for another year (2026) also included after negotiations.
MORE: Messi's new coach at Inter Miami is a familiar face
Messi presentation in Miami
Messi is not the only Barcelona legend heading to Miami as he is set to be joined by former teammate, Sergio Busquets. There have also reports that the franchise are chasing Jordi Alba as they try to push for a 2023 playoff spot.
It remains to be seen how many of them will be present at an event announced by the club on Sunday, July 16 called "The Unveil". It is set to take place at the club's home stadium at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale with the show beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
Inter Miami also revealed details of a press conference on Monday, July 17 at a location to be determined. The event will feature club ownership and what is expected to be Messi's first interaction with the media.
MORE: All the trophies that Lionel Messi can win with Inter Miami
How long is Messi's contract with Inter Miami?
Messi's contract with Miami is set to expire in December 2025, with an option to extend it to December 2026. However, this is not his first time staying in Miami.
Messi owns a home in the city, where his close friend Sergio Aguero also lives. He is familiar with the surroundings, which is one of the reasons he chose the USA over offers from Saudi Arabia. He will be the latest celebrity to call Miami home, and he's already getting the star treatment from local fans:
If Messi does choose to extend his contract for an additional year, he will be stateside for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
The 2024 Copa America will also be held in the United States and will see Messi and Argentina look to defend their title.
MORE: Cheapest way to buy Messi's Inter Miami jersey
When is Messi's first match with Inter Miami?
Messi has been keeping busy since his last fixture for PSG on June 3.
He scored in an international friendly against Australia (June 15) before featuring in the testimonials of Juan Roman Riquelme (June 25) and Maxi Rodriguez (June 24) in Argentina.
His first match with Inter Miami will be against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21. Leagues Cup is a midseason tournament between MLS and Mexico's Liga MX clubs to crown the best team from both leagues combined.
This means that his MLS league debut will most likely come against Charlotte on August 20.