Lionel Messi Arrived at Inter Miami: A New Chapter Begins, Rodolfo Pizarro Departs
The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has stirred up a frenzy among fans. Despite the heavy rain and thunder, they flocked to witness the Argentine superstar don the distinctive pink kit of Inter Miami for the first time. Amidst this excitement, let’s not forget Rodolfo Pizarro.
Pizarro’s Journey with Inter Miami
Rodolfo Pizarro, a Mexican international, joined Inter Miami in 2020, just in time for its inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season. He made a significant impact, scoring the team’s first-ever goal and contributing to 58 appearances, seven goals, and 13 assists.
The ‘Designated Player’ Rule
When Pizarro joined Inter Miami, he filled one of the club’s three ‘Designated Player’ spots. This rule, also known as the ‘Beckham Rule’, allows teams to compete for players outside of the league’s pay structure, potentially attracting stars like Messi.
Messi’s Arrival and Pizarro’s Departure
With Messi’s signing, reportedly worth between $50 to $60 million per year, he fills one of Inter’s designated player spots. Just a day before Messi’s official signing, Inter announced that Pizarro’s contract had been mutually terminated, freeing up a designated player slot.
Pizarro’s Future
Pizarro, in a heartfelt goodbye message on Instagram, expressed his honour to have played for Inter Miami. He has now signed with Greek top-flight side AEK Athens, reuniting him with his former coach at Mexican team Chivas, Matías Almeyda.
Inter Miami’s New Faces
Inter Miami has also recently announced the signing of Messi’s longtime Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. This means Inter now has four designated players on its roster – Messi, Busquets, Josef Martínez, and Gregore.
Navigating MLS Regulations
Inter Miami will need to navigate MLS regulations carefully, having previously been fined for misuse of the designated player allocation and violations of the league’s salary budget. The club has made significant changes in its management structure to ensure compliance and build a sustainable, long-term competition strategy.
In a nutshell, Lionel Messi’s arrival and Rodolfo Pizarro’s departure signal a new era for Inter Miami. The team is now navigating through the complexities of MLS regulations. At the same time, they are welcoming new talent. Their commitment remains firm – to build a roster that fans can be proud of. The future of Inter Miami is looking up, filled with big aspirations. With a growing fanbase, the team’s prospects continue to brighten.
