Messi ‘working on agreement’ with Argentina chiefs that will delight Beckham

Lionel Messi set for Inter Miami switch

Lionel Messi reportedly hopes to agree a deal with the Argentine FA that would see him step away from the national team for 12 months. The iconic attacker is set to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami and has reportedly requested that he be given a year to settle into the US city. 

Beckham has won the battle for Messi’s highly-sought signature. There was interest from the endless cash pit of Saudi Arabia and the slim possibility of a return to boyhood club Barcelona. 

Messi revealed in a press conference several weeks ago that he intends to join the MLS outfit in a huge triumph for Beckham and US soccer. Reports claim that lawyers on both sides are finalising the terms of the 36-year-old’s blockbuster contract. 

However, Messi’s move to the States is set to have an impact on his international future. The veteran is reportedly set to ask to take a year’s sabbatical from playing for Argentina. 

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According to the Mirror, Messi has asked World Cup-winning head coach Lionel Scaloni if he can be excused from Argentina duty for a year while he settles his young family into Miami. Messi is believed to already have property in the area but is reportedly looking at other homes. 

The report adds that Messi’s request has ‘hit Scaloni hard’. The Argentine Football Association still needs to give permission to the idea before an agreement with Messi can be reached. 

But such is the prolific striker’s status in Argentina, it is likely that the request will be granted. It is claimed that Messi believes taking 12 months away from travelling on international duty will help him settle into his new life both personally and professionally. 

Former Manchester United star Beckham is said to have played a crucial role in luring the Barcelona icon to Inter Miami. The club sacked ex-England defender Phil Neville earlier this month with the club sat bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

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Messi will not be able to play for his new club until at least July. that is because he is technically still contracted to Paris Saint-Germain for the remainder of June, having decided not to extend his deal with the French outfit. 

His parting gift to PSG was a not-so-subtle dig aimed in their direction over the future of Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman, who starred but ultimately lost to Messi’s Argentina in the World Cup final, has been linked with an exit. 

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the 24-year-old forward. Messi told him last week: “I prefer that you go to Barca. But if you want to go to Madrid, do it, you deserve a real winning project.”

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