Argentina forward Lionel Messi. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Is Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami or not?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/28/22

Lionel Messi is in the middle of what most expect is his final World Cup appearance. But the rumor mill hasn't stopped churning out chatter about the Argentinian leaving Paris Saint-Germain and heading to the United States to join Inter Miami in the MLS.

As Argentina holds onto hope they can reach the World Cup Round of 16, chitchat is running rampant as soccer fanatics everywhere wonder whether Inter Miami really is close to landing one of the best modern-day players in the game or if it's all just a bunch of hot air.

Lionel Messi is nearing a deal with Inter Miami to become the highest-paid player in MLS history, per @TimesSport.

The plan would be for him to join David Beckham's MLS club for the 2023 season. pic.twitter.com/1ag2tSfFGp
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 27, 2022

Whispers Messi wants to join Major League Soccer have been circulating for the better part of a year now, with rumors popping back up this weekend that Inter Miami was close to reaching a deal with the 35-year-old forward.

Less than a day later, ESPN reported that no such deal is in place.

"Messi has previously said he would like to play in Major League Soccer, but the forward has decided not to think about his future until the new year and has opted to focus on the World Cup," ESPN said, citing unknown "sources close to" Messi.

Whether the rumors are true or not is still anyone's guess. The media circus never died down after Messi left Barcelona for PSG and there has constantly been speculation that he already has his sights set on the next team he will play for.

In the meantime, however, Messi's main focus appears to still be on the World Cup and getting his team out of the group stage. Argentina faces Poland in a Group C matchup on Wednesday.

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