Messi to Miami: NBA Stars Welcome World Cup Winner to MLS

• Lionel Messi confirmed he will be heading to the Major League Soccer with Inter Miami
• He ended weeks of speculations around his next club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain
• Former club FC Barcelona and Saudi club Al-Hilal were also in the race for his signature

Lionel Messi is heading to the Major League Soccer with Inter Miami CF, and he already has big fans who can not wait to watch him play in the States.

The Argentine ended months of speculation on where his future lies by confirming in an interview he has chosen David Beckham’s club as his next destination.

Messi left Paris Saint-Germain after his contract expired, having played his last game in a 3-2 loss to Clermont Foot after lifting the Ligue 1 title for a second consecutive season.

According to Mirror UK, he snubbed heavy interest, including a world-record salary offer from Saudi Arabia and a reunion with former club, FC Barcelona to move to the US.

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Football

NBA stars welcome Messi

The NBA is the most popular sport in the US, with soccer being not so popular, but the presence of Messi is expected to boost the image of the league.

Basketball stars quickly sent welcome messages to the 2022 World Cup winner on social media after it was confirmed he was heading to Florida.

According to Sporting News, Phoenix Suns star, Kevin Durant’s message carried a competitive tone as he is a minority owner at Philadelphia Union, who plays Messi’s new club on his birthday, June 24.

Milwaukee Bucks forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Atlanta Hawks guard ,Trae Young also welcomed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Young is a Messi fan, and in March, he was spotted rocking the Argentina number 10 jersey.

O’Neal professes love for Messi

Sports Brief also reported that Shaquille O’Neal professed love for Messi during the NBA's Eastern Conference final in Miami.

Barcelona offer Lionel Messi captain's armband to lure Argentina star back to Camp Nou

Football

Shaq caught up with Club Miami TV and was asked to send a message to the World Cup winner, doing so in English and Spanish.

Ultimately, he made a childlike request to meet the football veteran, which could be possible with Messi moving to Florida.