The arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami took its toll. In order to provide a place for Messi, The Herons had to kick one of their star players. Lionel Messi was officially introduced as a new Inter Miami player on Sunday (16/7/2023) evening local time. Messi’s introduction event took place lively at the club’s headquarters, DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi was introduced with his former team-mate at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets. At Inter Miami, Messi will wear jersey number 10, while Busquets will wear number 5.
Victim of Messi’s arrival
At Inter Miami, Messi’s status is a designated player, namely a star player who is not limited by a salary cap. The rule is also known as the ‘Beckham Rule’ after David Beckham – now Inter’s co-owner – became the first designated player when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007. The rule allows teams to compete for players outside of the league’s pay structure and potentially attract stars like Messi.
In addition, it is known that the Major League Soccer (MLS) competition does apply salary cap rules or salary restrictions. Each MLS team is allowed to have a maximum of three designated players in their squad and must be financially responsible.
Before Messi’s arrival, one of Inter Miami’s designated players was an attacking midfielder from Mexico, Rodolfo Pizarro. Pizarro was recruited by Inter Miami in 2020. He was one of The Herons’ first batch of players with Gonzalo Higuain. The 29-year-old player was loaned to Monterrey for the 201-2022 and 2022-23 seasons.
At the start of this season, Pizarro returned to Inter Miami and made 13 appearances in MLS 2023. However, Messi’s arrival forced Pizarro to leave. With Messi’s salary reaching US$50-60 million per year, Inter Miami must release one designated player they have.
The Herons camp then chose to “sacrifice” Rodolfo Pizarro in order to make room for Messi. Inter Miami terminated Pizarro’s contract to reduce the number of designated players in their squad. The player then joined the Greek club, AEK Athens, for free.
Pizarro’s departure also leaves number 10 in the Inter Miami squad vacant this season. Now, the number is used by Messi. Meanwhile, Messi is scheduled to make his debut with Inter Miami in a home match against Mexican club, Cruz Azul, in the Leagues Cup, Friday (21/7/2023) evening local time.
