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Griezmann intends to play in MLS after Barcelona contract expires

Markus Gilliar / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Antoine Griezmann has set his sights on a move to Major League Soccer once his time at Barcelona comes to an end.

"My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024, and after that, I think it will be the right time to go to the United States," Griezmann told French newspaper Le Figaro on Saturday, according to Reuters. "I love that country, that culture, the NBA, and have a desire to discover it more, although I will also have to think about my family."

Griezmann usually travels to the U.S. during the offseason to attend NBA games and swap shirts with star players. He admitted in 2018 that he'd rather watch a basketball game than a football match, and after winning the World Cup with France, the 30-year-old helped to commission NBA-style championship rings for the team.

He's the latest Europe-based player to express an interest in MLS. Lionel Messi said previously he "dreams" of playing in the U.S., with Inter Miami and New York City FC touted as potential destinations.

Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami, said last month he's "optimistic" Messi will join the club because "it will complete the legacy of the greatest player in our generation and will meet with the ambitions of the owners of Inter Miami to build a world-class team."

MLS' salary cap will increase by nearly 45% over the next six years, potentially arming clubs with the budget to go after more big signings.

Griezmann has struggled for form since joining Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for €120 million. The transfer fee still stands as the fifth-highest ever paid for a soccer player.

But his performances for the national team continue to impress. Griezmann scored his 38th goal for France against Hungary in Euro 2020 group-stage action Saturday. He's just three tallies short of three-time Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini for third all time in French scoring.

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