Lionel Messi set to join Inter Miami this summer

Messi has turned down multiple offers from around the globe

Guillem Balague reported that the 35-year-old, who is without a club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, will make the move to the MLS, citing the lifestyle and collaborations with brands such as Adidas as the instigator behind his move.

Additionally, Messi already owns a house in Miami, which he has been renting out while away from the US.

It will be the first time Messi has played club football outside of Europe having spent most of his career at Barcelona before leaving in 2021 as a result of the club's financial issues.

There had been hopes for an emotional return to the Camp Nou, but Financial Fair Play restrictions prevented Barça from making a suitable offer to the World Cup winner.

Messi had also been heavily tipped to move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal reportedly willing to offer him £4bn to join.

Saudi Arabia has seen a string of heavyweights join the league in the last six months. Names such as Crisitano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have already joined while N'Golo Kanté is set to follow suit. Moves for the likes of Wilfried Zaha have also been made.

The forward is also a tourism ambassador for the state and it is believed that they wanted Messi to join and link up with Ronaldo and Benzema - as well as any other big-name arrivals - to be the face of their 2030 World Cup bid.

Related links:

• Real Madrid agree deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jude Bellingham
• Ange Postecoglou appointed as Tottenham manager
• Newcastle’s owners buy four of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs