The 36-year-old’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of June and he has been free to sign for his soon-to-be new employers Inter Miami since the MLS transfer window opened on July 5. Instead, the cup winner is on holiday with his wife and children as he relaxes after a gruelling season.
Messi was joined by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro in the Bahamas before heading to Miami for his next chapter. The young family is familiar with the area; the Argentine childhood sweethearts already owned a home there before the impending move.
Earlier, Messi’s influential wife had posted snaps on Instagram of the family enjoying their Caribbean holiday and now the legendary striker has shared an update, posting two images on the social media site. The pictures were accompanied by the caption: “Always like this #family.”
In one image, he is shown standing in stunning crystal-clear waters alongside Antonela, with the sun setting and in the other, the couple are shown with their young children in a swimming pool. It is now believed that the Messis will travel to the United States on Thursday ahead of the announcement of the deal.
Considered by many observers to be the greatest footballer to ever play the game, the iconic winger will be officially welcomed by the Herons in a dedication ceremony on July 16 at the DRV PNK Stadium. The franchise’s temporary stadium will be the place where the Camp Nou hero is welcomed by the Florida club’s fans for the first time.
He will likely be joined by blockbuster signing Sergio Busquets, while a deal is also in the works for former Blaugrana ace Jordi Alba, according to the Miami Herald. The spectacle under the South Beach sun has been dubbed “The Unveil” and will be free to season ticket holders.