According to L’Équipe (France), Atletico Madrid club did not offer to extend the contract with striker Antoine Griezmann, making him a free player in June 2025. This star is considering the possibility of joining Los Angeles FC in MLS to face Messi.
“Because of Atletico Madrid’s decision, Antoine Griezmann ‘s current release clause is only worth around 10 million euros. Los Angeles FC will consider the option of spending a moderate amount to recruit this 33-year-old striker right now to compete for the MLS championship with Messi and Inter Miami, or wait until the summer of 2025 to recruit him for free. Los Angeles FC has also offered Antoine Griezmann a high salary, second only to Messi in MLS,” said L’ Équipe .
Griezmann has scored a total of 190 goals and provided 90 assists in 492 professional club games. He has been a mainstay of the French national team for many years, playing 135 matches and scoring 44 goals.
The 33-year-old striker is under contract with Atletico Madrid until June 2025, with an option to extend for the following year. However, the Spanish club have decided not to activate the extension clause. Therefore, Griezmann will now be free to decide where he wants to go next.
“Griezmann has a close relationship with David Beckham, President and co-owner of Inter Miami. However, the veteran French star is leaning towards joining Los Angeles FC, where two of his teammates from the French national team are playing, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and striker Olivier Giroud. If he agrees to join Los Angeles FC in the near future, Griezmann will be a significant addition to help this team become a huge rival of Messi and Inter Miami when competing for the MLS Cup championship at the end of this year,” emphasized
Los Angeles FC is currently ranked 2nd in the MLS Western Conference, a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. The team is also competing in the 2024 Leagues Cup, and will be a strong contender to compete with Messi and Inter Miami in the championship race.
“Griezmann has recently expressed a strong interest in moving to MLS to play in the final stages of his career. This reason is motivated by his love for the American lifestyle and sports culture, especially the NBA (basketball) and NFL (American football) professional leagues,” Marca shared .
Meanwhile, according to Inter Miami coach Tata Martino: “Messi’s right ankle injury from Copa America has recovered and is on the way to recovery very quickly. However, he will not play in the opening match of the Leagues Cup (against Puebla Club at 7am on July 28), and will continue to wear protection on his foot for a few more days.
Messi is very sad that he cannot participate in the match. Suarez has a knee injury, but he has returned to training with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. We will consider the possibility of the lineup right before the match.”
