Griezmann joins Orlando City and eyes Florida derby against Messi

Antoine Griezmann was officially presented by Orlando City in the night of Tuesday 8 to Wednesday 9 July 2026, confirming his departure from Atlético de Madrid for Major League Soccer. The 2018 World Cup winner, now 35 years old, is thus achieving an objective he set for himself since adolescence.

“Since I was 18, my dream was to play in MLS,” Griezmann said during his presentation to the Florida club. A fan of American culture and basketball, the striker had also retired from international football in 2024, which keeps him away from the 2026 World Cup currently taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

One of the prospects that most excites the Frenchman is the upcoming rivalry with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi. “I’ve heard a lot about this derby. It will be a pleasure to face Messi again, but also Rodrigo De Paul, with whom I have a very good relationship,” he said. Griezmann and Messi have already faced each other 28 times during their careers, and shared 83 matches wearing the FC Barcelona shirt.

The two Florida clubs have already met twice this season — one victory each — but Griezmann will have to wait until the play-offs or the 2027 season to participate in this duel, while he settles into his new league.

Orlando City currently sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, outside the playoff qualification spots. Griezmann intends to have an impact on this race: “I’m here to win trophies, build bonds with the supporters and help my teammates progress,” said Atlético de Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer.

On the World Cup currently underway, the former number 7 of the Blues shared a wish: “That Messi wins the Golden Boot and Mbappé wins the World Cup.”