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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shed light on Lionel Messi's surprising move to Inter Miami in the MLS, rather than joining the Saudi Pro League, where he could have reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi's decision to join the American club came as a shock to many, especially after spending 19 illustrious years in Europe.
Contrary to speculation, Romano revealed that financial reasons were not the driving force behind Messi's choice. Instead, he cited family considerations and Messi's close relationship with Inter Miami's co-owner, David Beckham, as pivotal factors.
Speaking on the ARLS podcast, Romano stated, "I think it was not financial. I think it was for family reasons and also because he was close to David Beckham, and he had the chance to build a squad with some players who are his friends, like (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba."
Romano emphasized that Messi saw Inter Miami as an opportunity to create a team according to his preferences, surrounded by familiar faces and friends. This aspect, he suggested, may have been lacking in the potential move to Saudi Arabia.
While rumours swirled about Messi's potential move to the Saudi Pro League, Romano clarified that the move to Inter Miami had been in the works for some time.
He indicated that although the move to Saudi Arabia was a possibility, it was never as close as many believed it to be.
Overall, Messi's decision to join Inter Miami appears to have been a carefully considered one, driven by personal and professional factors rather than purely financial motives.
