Nick Marsman, the Inter Miami goalkeeper who questioned Lionel Messi’s transfer, has had his contract terminated by the Major League Soccer club.
Marsman, who joined the club from Dutch side Feyenoord in 2021, voiced doubts about Miami’s infrastructure ahead of the World Cup winner’s official unveiling in July.
“I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival,” Marsman told ESPN.
“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.”
The 32-year-old’s contract was due to expire this winter but Miami confirmed on Tuesday that they had exercised their one-time contract buyout.
It is understood that Marsman’s comments were not a significant factor in the club’s decision, with his exit more to do with a bloated salary cap charge for a player who had long been demoted to backup goalkeeper.
The club will still have to pay Marsman the remaining money he is owed, but he will not count against the salary cap.
His departure will free up a roster spot and $587,000 in budget space.
Marsman occupied an international roster spot, which has also been vacated. That is a further boost to Miami, who signed six players who required international roster spots this summer.
MLS teams are permitted to use one buyout of a guaranteed contract per season, which removes that player’s cap hit.
Miami still had the use of their one-time contract buyout for Marsman because they were able to agree to a mutual contract termination with Rodolfo Pizarro, allowing the Mexican international to sign with Greek club AEK Athens. Pizarro’s contract was also set to expire this winter as well.
Marsman departing is likely the final roster move for Miami this summer in a shuffle that saw Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Tomas Aviles, Diego Gomez and Facundo Farias all arrive under new head coach Tata Martino.
Messi has scored seven goals and one assist in four matches with Inter Miami, including a brilliant free kick against Dallas last weekend.
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