Inter Miami Terminates Goalkeeper Nick Marsman’s Contract After Questioning Messi Transfer
Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club, has terminated the contract of goalkeeper Nick Marsman. The decision comes after Marsman publicly expressed doubts about the club’s readiness for Lionel Messi’s arrival.
Marsman, who joined Inter Miami from Dutch side Feyenoord in 2021, raised concerns about the club’s infrastructure before Messi’s official unveiling in July. In an interview with ESPN, Marsman said, “I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival. 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.”
Although Marsman’s contract was set to expire this winter, Inter Miami decided to exercise their one-time contract buyout and terminate his agreement. However, it was clarified that Marsman’s comments did not play a significant role in the club’s decision. The termination was mainly due to a bloated salary cap charge for a player who had been demoted to backup goalkeeper for a long time.
While Inter Miami will still have to pay Marsman the remaining money he is owed, his departure will free up a roster spot and $587,000 in budget space. Additionally, Marsman occupied an international roster spot, which will now be vacated.
This development is a positive one for Inter Miami, as they recently signed six players who required international roster spots this summer. The club now has more flexibility in terms of their roster.
It is worth noting that MLS teams are allowed to use one buyout of a guaranteed contract per season, eliminating that player’s cap hit. In this case, Inter Miami still had their one-time contract buyout available for Marsman because they reached a mutual contract termination with Rodolfo Pizarro, allowing him to sign with Greek club AEK Athens. Pizarro’s contract was also set to expire this winter.
Marsman’s departure marks the final roster move for Inter Miami this summer, as they have completed a series of signings, including Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Tomas Aviles, Diego Gomez, and Facundo Farias, under new head coach Tata Martino.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in just four matches. His most recent highlight was a stunning free kick against Dallas last weekend.
Inter Miami is hopeful that the termination of Marsman’s contract will not overshadow the excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival and their ambitions for the future.
(Photo: Getty Images)