Inter Miami have officially announced the signing of seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi on a free transfer.

The 36-year-old's switch to MLS had been confirmed by the player himself last month, ahead of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring.

However, Inter Miami have only just officially unveiled the legendary number 10 as their new player, with the announcement coming just hours before their match against St Louis City this evening.

Messi had been courted by Barcelona regarding a blockbuster return to Camp Nou, where he spent 21 years and established himself as one of the greatest players of all time.

The World Cup winner instead chose to end his time in Europe and move to MLS, where he will link up with the David Beckham-owned Miami franchise.

Messi's contract in Miami is understood to be a unique one in the world of football which will see him earn a share of profits from Apple TV's MLS Season Pass and Adidas' kit sales for Inter Miami.

The Argentina international reportedly turned down an even more lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, which would have seen him feature in direct competition with perennial career rival Cristiano Ronaldo once again.

Messi is expected to make his debut for his new side when they take on Charlotte FC at the DRV PNK Stadium on July 21.

Messi will have work to do if he is to add to his significant trophy cabinet this season, as he joins an Inter Miami side rooted to the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference after 21 games of their 2023 campaign.

Miami have won just five and lost a league-high 13 games so far this season, while they are winless in their last 10 MLS matches ahead of their trip to St Louis on Saturday night, picking up only three points from a possible 30 in that time.