The contract of Nick Marsman, the Inter Miami goalkeeper who questioned the transfer of Lionel Messi, has been terminated by the Major League Soccer club.
Marsman, who joined the club from Dutch Feyenoord in 2021, expressed doubts about Miami’s infrastructure before the official unveiling of the World Cup winner in July.
“Personally, I think this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival,” Marsman told ESPN.
“We have a temporary stadium, people can only walk on the field, there are no gates. We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they are not ready. But I hope he comes.”
The 32-year-old’s contract was due to expire this winter, but Miami confirmed on Tuesday that it had exercised a one-time buyout of its contract.
It is understood that Marsmann’s comments were not a significant factor in the club’s decision, his exit being more linked to an inflated cost of the salary of a player who had long been demoted to reserve goalkeeper.
The club will still have to pay Marsmann the remaining money, but it will not count against the salary cap.
His departure would net him a spot on the list and $587,000 in budget space.
Marsman took a place on the international list, which was also vacated. This is another boost for Miami, who have signed six players who have requested international rosters this summer.
MLS teams are only allowed to use one guaranteed contract purchase per season, which eliminates hitting the player cap.
Miami still used Marsman’s one-time buyout contract because they were able to agree to a mutual contract termination with Rodolfo Pizarro, which allowed the Mexican player to sign with Greek club AEK Athens. Bizarro’s contract was also set to expire this winter as well.
Marsmann’s departure is likely to be the final roster move for Miami this summer in a random change that has seen the arrivals of Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Thomas Aviles, Diego Gomez and Facundo Farias under new coach Tata Martino.
Messi has scored seven goals and one assist in four games for Inter Miami, including a stunning free kick against Dallas last weekend.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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