Inter Miami Targets More Signings Ahead of Lionel Messi MLS debut

• Lionel Messi could play his first game for his new team Inter Miami on July 21
• Miami are looking to improve their squad ahead of Messi’s debut
• The MLS team is also looking to expand its stadium capacity

Inter Miami owner, Jorge Mas has provided fans with reassurance that the club is actively working on signing three to five new players this summer.

These additions will join the ranks alongside the highly anticipated debut of Lionel Messi, which is scheduled for July 21.

Mas also reported that Inter Miami are working to expand the capacity of the DVR PNK Stadium from 19,000 to 22,000 to cope with the huge demand for tickets as a result of Messi's arrival.

"We have been preparing for Messi's arrival in 2023, and we have left a huge amount of flexibility in the accounts," Mas explained to the Miami Herald.

"We will make more signings this summer, more than people expect. We don't have to revolutionize the squad, but I can say we will potentially make between three and five signings."

Lionel Messi joins MLS side Inter Miami

Football

Messi, who announced his move to Inter Miami after not renewing his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, will earn between 50 million and 60 million dollars a year in MLS, excluding the extra income generated by the shares he will receive in Adidas, the league's jersey sponsor, and Apple TV, which broadcasts all league games on the 'MLS Season Pass'.

"I think there will be a before and after Messi if we talk about sports in America. I am very convinced that we can create in the United States one of the two best leagues in the world, if not the biggest," he added.

"I cannot underline more the magnitude of this announcement.

"Having the best player in the world is momentous for our league and for football in the United States. Messi comes to this country to win cups and make a difference.

"It's up to me, the league partners and the other owners, to take advantage of this moment."

Rocket man Messi ready to fire MLS lift-off

Football

Inter Miami plans stadium expansion

As quoted by The Mirror, Inter Miami also plan to increase the capacity of the DVR PNK Stadium, which currently holds around 19,000 spectators.

The stadium, located in Fort Lauderdale, 50 kilometres from Miami, will be partially redeveloped 'in the next four weeks' to add about 3,000 more seats, Mas said.

The news of Messi's arrival has generated huge excitement in the city and ticket prices have skyrocketed for all of Inter Miami's home and away games.

"Obviously we will increase security. The players will enter the stadium on board a bus, going through a tunnel. All those protocols are already in place."

Messi, Busquets MLS reunion

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets will be joining Messi at Inter Miami.

The 34-year-old played with Messi at Barcelona between 2008 and 2021, before the Argentine joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.