Lionel Messi to make MLS debut in All-Stars game against Arsenal?

Inter Miami-bound Lionel Messi could make his MLS debut in an All-Stars match against Arsenal on July 19, according to a report.

The 35-year-old has confirmed that he will be joining the Florida-based outfit when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of this month.

Messi spent two seasons in Paris, scoring 32 goals and registering 35 assists in 75 appearances across all competitions, as well as winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner contributed to 32 goals in as many French top-flight matches in the 2022-23 campaign, while he was the talisman behind Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, the nation's first world title for 36 years.

Prior to joining PSG, Messi won 35 trophies and scored a remarkable 672 goals in 778 games during a legendary 17-year professional career with Barcelona between 2004 and 2021.

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Messi is now set to embark on a fresh challenge in the United States with David Beckham's Inter Miami after turning down lucrative offers to move to Saudi Arabia.

The attacker scored the fastest goal of his career on international duty with Argentina on Thursday, netting after just 79 seconds in a 2-0 friendly win over Australia in Beijing.

Messi is now set for a few weeks away on holiday before linking up with his new teammates at Inter Miami next month.

Asked about his arrival and possible start date at Inter Miami following Argentina's win, Messi told reporters, via the Daily Mail: "I want to go on my holiday and then afterwards, we go again."

According to The Sun, Messi could be in a position to make his Stateside debut in the MLS All-Stars fixture with Premier League side Arsenal at Audi Field in Washington DC on July 19.

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Former Manchester United striker and current DC United head coach Wayne Rooney will take charge of the All-Stars team and will be tasked with selecting 12 MLS players, which could include Messi, for his 26-man squad.

Twelve other players will be chosen via a combination of votes from MLS fans, media members and players, while the remaining two spots will be selected by league commissioner Don Garber.

After potentially representing the MLS All-Stars, Messi could make his Inter Miami debut against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21.

The Miami Herald claims that tickets for this contest have remarkably increased by 1,034% since the announcement of Messi's arrival at Inter Miami, with the most expensive ticket listed for $20,701 (£16,000).