Lionel Messi snubs Al-Hilal, heads to MLS with Inter Miami

The Lionel Messi transfer drama is about ending with the Argentine having made a decision on which club he wants to join. He is set to make the announcement in the next few hours.

• Lionel Messi has decided to join MLS club Inter Miami.

• He preferred a return to his former club Barcelona.

• Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal over the Argentine a deal worth over €1.2 billion.

Barcelona and Al-Hilal have both been floored by Major League Soccer side Inter Miami to the signature of mercurial Argentine attacker Lionel Messi. The forward has made a decision to join the David Beckham-owned club.

Messi’s deal with Paris Saint Germain expires at the end of this month and doors have been closed on renewal at the French capital. His former club FC Barcelona were in the race to re-acquire their legend and Xavi had openly expressed his desire to have the Albiceleste star back in the Catalan fold.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal who had been in hot pursuit of the iconic number 10 had tabled a deal worth about €1.2 billion for two seasons in the Pro League. As much as that was tempting and the lure to face Christiano Ronaldo again, Messi was understood to be looking at a place where he can remain very active ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, despite the lure of money from the Middle East and the temptation to play at his former club, Messi is now headed to the United States where former stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale and Didier Drogba have all played before.

Barcelona could not pull a deal through due to their bad financial situation which would require Messi to take a more than significant wage cut and also the clearout of several big names before he can be registered.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano announced that the decision has been made and Messi will announce the decision in the next few hours.