Here’s the latest on Messi’s expected arrival, ticket sales for likely Inter Miami debut

Nearly a month has passed since Lionel Messi announced plans to join Inter Miami this summer. After spending the past few weeks playing friendlies and enjoying vacation time with his family in Argentina, the highly anticipated arrival of the superstar is expected in mid-July.

“Terms are agreed but we are working on paperwork with MLS,” said Chris Henderson, the team’s chief soccer officer and sporting director. “It will take time to finish. We hope in mid to late July that he’s ready to go, but that’s up to how he finishes all the paperwork.”

Messi was under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until June 30.

Inter Miami plans to celebrate his arrival, and that of his former FC Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, with an event at DRV PNK Stadium. Although no specific date has been announced, Barcelona media outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that it is tentatively scheduled for July 16, and the Herald confirmed that with multiple sources.

Five days later, on July 21, the two players are targeted to make their joint debut against Mexican team Cruz Azul in the opener of the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament. Tickets went on sale to the general public on June 29 for that game.

As of Saturday afternoon, there were approximately 700 tickets (of 18,000 capacity) remaining according to Ticketmaster’s online stadium map, and the cheapest available were $420 endzone seats, which is nearly 10 times the price the same seats cost for Saturday’s game against Austin FC.

Through the first half of the season, endzone seats were $35 to $50 and seats in Sect. 101 at midfield could be found at full price for $250. The same seats are going for $800 to $1,000 for the Leagues Cup game vs. Cruz Azul. A few front-row seats are listed at $7,778 and $10,000 on the secondary market.

Managing owner Jorge Mas and Henderson have hinted that there could be a few more new players joining the team in the coming weeks. Mas posted a message on Twitter two weeks ago with three blank pink jerseys hanging in the locker room and the caption: “Coming Soon. Si.”

Henderson added: “The (MLS Summer transfer) window opens July 5. So, we’re working on everything we can to try and improve the squad and make us competitive in every position…whether it’s in league or out of league, we want to improve the team.”

Spanish national team captain and former FC Barcelona left back Jordi Alba, 34, has been linked to the team and is also said to be fielding offers from clubs in Europe. An experienced left back will be critical as starter Franco Negri last week suffered a season-ending ACL tear that required surgery.

Inter Miami is in last place (15^th) in the Eastern Conference with five wins, 13 losses, no ties and is 11 points shy of the playoff line heading into the Austin game Saturday. There are 16 games remaining in the regular season. The top seven teams make the playoffs and the eighth and ninth-place teams earn wild card spots.