David Beckham terminates Inter Miami player's contract after scathing verdict on Lionel Messi signing

Inter Miami have terminated Nick Marsman's contract following his damning verdict on the club's signing of Lionel Messi.

Club owner David Beckham has taken the decision to rip up the goalkeeper's contract after he said the Florida-based club is 'not ready' for Messi.

Before the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner officially joined the MLS side, Marsman delivered a scathing assessment.

"I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival," he said back in June.

"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."

The 32-year-old Dutch goalkeeper is no longer contracted to Inter Miami, who have bought him out of his deal.

The MLS allows each team to tear up one contract during the season, with Beckham taking advantage of the rule on the former Feyenoord player, who is now a free agent.

A club statement reads: "Inter Miami CF announced today that it has exercised its Salary Budget Charge buyout on goalkeeper Nick Marsman’s Major League Soccer (MLS) contract."

Marsman signed for Inter Miami in April 2021 and played 32 games for the club before his release.

Messi, meanwhile, continued his prolific start to his Inter Miami career as he bagged a brace in his side's victory over FC Dallas.

He scored two goals in the thrilling 4-4 draw on Sunday, before converting a spot-kick in the 5-3 penalty shootout victory.

Messi has starred in the Leagues Cup, with Inter Miami in the quarter-finals of the competition.