Inter Miami Terminates Rodolfo Pizarro’s Contract to Make Room for Lionel Messi
In a surprising turn of events, Inter Miami has terminated Rodolfo Pizarro’s contract to make room for Lionel Messi in their squad. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has agreed to move to the MLS after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of June.
Despite interest from Barcelona and Saudi clubs, Messi has chosen to play for David Beckham’s Inter Miami next season. However, in order to accommodate the World Cup winner, sacrifices had to be made, and that sacrifice came in the form of Pizarro.
According to Transfermarkt’s Manuel Veth, Pizarro’s contract has been scrapped, and he will be making a move to Greek side AEK Athens. This move was necessary because the MLS has strict rulings over Designated Players (DPs), allowing only three players to earn over the division’s salary cap.
Pizarro was one of the DPs at Inter Miami, along with captain Gregore and forward Leonardo Campana. With Messi set to earn a reported maximum of £120 million-a-year in Florida, it was essential to free up a DP spot for him. The MLS salary cap is set at £4 million per team ($5.2 million per team), making it impossible to accommodate all four players as DPs.
Pizarro’s departure from Inter Miami means that Messi can now officially sign a contract with the club. The Mexican international had become a bit-part player at the DRV PNK Stadium, leading to speculations about his future. He spent two years on loan at Mexican club Monterrey, where he made 32 appearances and scored once. Although he returned earlier this year and played 15 matches, Pizarro was not satisfied with the DP rules in the MLS.
Expressing his frustration, Pizarro said, “I do think it’s hard, I have a contract. I didn’t know I could be traded anyways. It’s a bit strange. I think it’s the only league in the world that does this.” His comments highlight the unique nature of the MLS and its regulations regarding player contracts and transfers.
New Inter Miami coach Tata Martino also weighed in on the matter, stating, “There’s the football and then there’s the aspect that is strictly administrative regarding what his future will be. It won’t be something that will be determined from a football perspective.” Martino’s comments suggest that the decision to terminate Pizarro’s contract was not solely based on footballing reasons but rather on administrative considerations.
In addition to Messi, there are rumors that some of his former Barcelona teammates, including Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, might join him at Inter Miami. Both players have left Barcelona this summer after extensive and legendary careers, and the MLS is being considered as an option for their next move.
The arrival of Lionel Messi in the MLS is undoubtedly a significant development for the league. His presence will attract global attention and elevate the profile of American soccer. Inter Miami’s decision to terminate Pizarro’s contract reflects their ambition to build a competitive team capable of challenging for titles.
As fans eagerly await Messi’s debut in the MLS, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the American style of play and whether he can replicate his success on the international stage. Nevertheless, his arrival is a testament to the growing stature of American soccer and its ability to attract some of the world’s best players.
In conclusion, Inter Miami’s decision to terminate Rodolfo Pizarro’s contract to make room for Lionel Messi is a bold move that demonstrates their determination to build a formidable team. While Pizarro’s departure may come as a disappointment to some fans, the arrival of Messi promises to bring excitement and anticipation to the MLS. As the league continues to grow, attracting global superstars like Messi will undoubtedly raise its profile and cement its status as a top destination for footballing talent.