Inter Miami player has contract torn up after he questioned Lionel Messi signing
Inter Miami have terminated goalkeeper Nick Marsman’s contract - just weeks after he expressed concern over the arrival of Lionel Messi in MLS.
Earlier this month, Messi’s incredible move to Inter Miami was confirmed as he was unveiled at the DRV PNK Stadium. He certainly ensured the welcome was justified when the 36-year-old struck a dramatic free-kick winning goal in the closing moments of his debut.
The signing of Messi is perhaps the most monumental move in North American soccer history, even eclipsing Brazilian icon Pele’s transfer to the New York Cosmos in 1975. However, back in June, Marsman suggested the acquisition of a player of Messi’s stature and calibre is too much for the MLS club at this stage.
“I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival,” Marsman told ESPN. “We have a temporary stadium, people can just walk on the pitch, there are no gates.
“We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they aren't ready. But I hope he comes.”
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Just a few weeks after making the comments, Inter Miami have decided to terminate and buy the Dutchman out of his contract. MLS regulations only allow for a franchise to carry out such an action once during the season - and David Beckham ’s club decided to pull the trigger on Marsman.
Marsman joined Inter Miami midway through the 2021 season after two years with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. The 32-year-old tallied a total of 29 appearances but failed to make the team once Drake Callender joined.
The goalkeeper was remarkably hospitalised earlier this year after being bitten by a poisonous spider at a zoo in Miami. He was in hospital for three days but recovered well, with his wife providing updates on social media.
Nick Marsman has been released by Inter Miami weeks after questioning Lionel Messi's signing by the club (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Marsman’s fears for the arrival of Messi were perhaps logical given Inter Miami were founded in 2018 before joining MLS ahead of the 2020 season. The club is enjoying only its fourth season in professional soccer, and signing Messi has placed Beckham’s side on a new platform.
Since arriving, Messi has taken over as Inter Miami captain and enjoyed a fine start to life in Florida, scoring seven times in four victorious games in the Leagues Cup. The Argentine, joined at the club by former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, has had a lot to celebrate as his prodigious form has translated from Europe to the US.
Messi is yet to make his official MLS debut, but he is tearing it up in the Leagues Cup as Inter Miami advanced to the quarter-finals. Messi and Inter Miami are next in action on Friday night against an undisclosed opponent for a spot in the last four.
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