Lionel Messi has arrived in Miami

World soccer star Lionel Messi arrived in Florida on Tuesday to sign his contract with Inter Miami. The Argentine arrived on a private jet at Fort Lauderdale Airport. He was accompanied by his family and is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract worth $60 million per season.

"We are happy with the decision we made," Messi told Argentine TV show Jave a la Eternidad. "My mentality and spirit will not change and I will try to give my best for my new club and continue to play at the highest level," the 36-year-old added.

Messi was greeted by dozens of fans in front of the Inter Miami stadium. "How can I forget the night I knew Lionel was coming," they sang. Messi is the biggest player to come to MLS since Pele's arrival at the New York Cosmos in 1975.

Lionel Messi is due to be introduced with his former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, and they are expected to be joined by Jordi Alba. The American club, which is co-owned by the Englishman David Beckham, recently announced the appointment of coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino. Messi is due to make his debut for the team on July 21 against Mexican side Cruz Azul.