The Argentine World Cup winner has made the decision to play outside of Europe for the first time in his professional career despite winning his second consecutive Ligue 1 championship with PSG. Messi will play outside of Europe for the first time in his club career in an effort to "live football in a different way."
Messi was reportedly considering substantial offers from Saudi Arabia and a move back to Barcelona, but Inter Miami ultimately prevailed in the race to sign the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.
In doing so, he joins a distinguished group of athletes who made the decision to pursue their careers in the United States.
Mail Sport examines the careers of ten of the biggest athletes in the
Pele
The only player on this list who has never played for a club in Europe is Pele, who is frequently recognized as the greatest player of all time.
He played the majority of his career for Santos of Brazil, where he scored an amazing 643 goals after joining the team at the age of 16.
He won the famous Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963 as well as Brazil's premier division six times.
After the 1974 season, which was his 19th with Santos, he entered a state of semi-retirement and only sometimes played for the Brazilian team.
To play in the North American Soccer League, the top club tournament in North America from 1968 to 1984, he switched to the New York Cosmos in 1975.
Beckham, David
In 2007, David Beckham relocated to the United States when he signed with MLS team LA Galaxy.
Having won six Premier League championships, a Champions League (as part of a memorable treble in 1999 with Manchester United), and a La Liga championship with Real Madrid during the "Galactico era," the former England captain had already enjoyed a brilliant career.
Beckham won two MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012 during his stay in America, which was interrupted by loans to AC Milan.
Most significantly, Beckham's deal to LA Galaxy included a clause giving him the option to buy an MLS expansion franchise at a set cost of $25 million (£20 million). As a result, Inter Miami CF was founded in 2018.
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