Lionel Messi‘s arrival to Major League Football in 2023 not only provided a significant boost InterMiami CF but also for the competition itself, which has since attracted increasing attention from European stars. Now Antoine Griezmann seems ready to follow this trend, with the World Cup winner reportedly closing in on a move to one of Miami’s rivals.
As reported by Tom Bogert of The Athletics, Orlando City SC are in advanced talks to sign Griezmann. The talks, mainly held with Atlético Madrid, have developed towards a possible transfer fee for the French star, who is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Eastern Conference.
Griezmann, currently 34, has long been a target for MLS clubs, among others InterMiamiwho are now unable to sign him as all three Designated Player slots have been filled by Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and new signing Germán Berterame. In the case of Orlando City Martín Ojeda and Marco Pašalić occupy two DP spotswhile Griezmann queued up to grab the remaining ones.
Compared to others MLS teams have shown interest, Orlando appears to maintain the lead in several areas. Firstly, sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira worked extensively on the deal, traveling to Spain several times. with MLS discovery rights to the Frenchman, the club would have priority to secure his signature.
Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid.
When could Messi and Griezmann face each other?
An important factor is timing. According to The Athletics, Orlando City aims to complete the signing before March 26when the MLS primary transfer window closes. Despite being outside the top positions in La Liga, Atlético Madrid are going strong in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after beating FC Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg. They will also take part in the Champions League play-offs against Club Brugge.
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If the transfer is completed within that time frame, Messi and Griezmann could meet in the 2026 MLS season. The first Florida derby is scheduled for this weekend at Exploria Stadium The second match between Inter Miami and Orlando City will take place on May 2 at Miami Freedom Parka potential stage for the Argentinian and French stars to face each other.
Messi has already gone up against some of the league’s biggest names, including Thomas Müller at Vancouver Whitecaps FC in MLS Cup play, and Son Heung-min with Los Angeles FC in the season openera match that set attendance records. If Griezmann arrives, it would set up another showdown between two World Cup-winning superstars whose quality remains unquestioned.
Another World Cup champion could join MLS
Griezmann remains an important figure in Atlético Madrid’s squad a move to Orlando City would be a big boost for the Florida clubwhich may yield immediate results. His resume would also add him to a distinguished list of players who have both played in the MLS and reached the top ranks World Cup.
Antoine Griezmann of France kisses the World Cup trophy.
Listed by nationality, some of the stars who spent part of their careers in MLS and won the sport’s most prestigious trophy are:
- Argentina: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) and Thiago Almada (the first to win the award while playing in the MLS with Atlanta United FC).
- Brazil: Kaká (Orlando City), Kléberson (Philadelphia Union), Denílson (FC Dallas) and Branco (MetroStars).
- France: Youri Djorkaeff (NY Red Bulls), Thierry Henry (NY Red Bulls), Blaise Matuidi (Inter Miami), Olivier Giroud (LAFC) and Hugo Lloris (LAFC).
- Germany: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Chicago Fire).
- Italy: Andrea Pirlo (NYCFC), Alessandro Nesta (Montreal Impact) and Andrea Barzagli (Portland Timbers).
- Spain: David Villa (NYCFC), Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) and Jordi Alba (Inter Miami).
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