Lionel Messi has arrived in Florida ahead of his expected presentation as an Inter Miami player on Sunday.
Although the Major League Soccer outfit have yet to officially announce the marquee signing, Messi revealed last month that he will be joining Miami.
He told Argentine TV show Llave a la eternidad on Tuesday: “My mentality and my head are not going to change and I am going to try, wherever I have to be, to give my best for myself and my new club and to continue to perform at the highest level.
“We are happy with the decision we made. Prepared and eager to face the new challenge, the new change.”
Since Messi confirmed his decision, Miami have moved quickly to prepare for their new era.
Spanish midfield maestro Sergio Busquets was signed on a free transfer while former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino replaced sacked boss Phil Neville.
Although they are currently lying bottom of the Eastern Conference, Messi’s new employers hope the Argentine icon will make an immediate impact and he could be handed his debut on July 21 in the Leagues Cup fixture against Cruz Azul.
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Messi scored in his most recent outing, striking for Argentina in a 2-0 win over Australia last month.
His contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired on July 1 and he has since been enjoying time away from the pitch, on holiday with his family.
When asked by Argentine outlet TV Publica how much longer he expects to play, the 36-year-old World Cup winner said: “Honestly, I don’t know.
“After having achieved everything recently, the only thing left to do is to enjoy.
“We had to go through very hard times in the national team. We were fortunate enough to be World Cup and Copa America champions.
“I am at a moment in my career where I enjoy everything that happens to me and I value everything much more because I know that these are the last years.
“But I think that when I retire and I’m not playing any more, I will value all of this much more.
“And even more so the fact of being a World champion, which will last a lifetime, especially in a country like ours, that is so fond of football, so grateful for it.”