Griezmann Cleared for Orlando: Will Messi Derby Follow in 2026?

Orlando, FL — Antoine Griezmann’s long-rumored move to Major League Soccer took a decisive step forward on Thursday when the France forward boarded a flight to Florida after receiving permission from Atlético Madrid, multiple sources confirmed to World Soccer Talk.

The 34-year-old, whose contract with the Spanish club expires in June, will finalize what is expected to be the most lucrative free-transfer deal in MLS history, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. Griezmann has agreed to a two-year pact with Orlando City, occupying one of the club’s Designated Player slots and inheriting the No. 7 shirt once the summer transfer window opens on 8 July 2026.

Orlando originally pursued Griezmann during the primary window but accepted Atlético’s refusal to release their captain mid-campaign. The Lions will instead trigger the pre-arranged agreement when the European season concludes, allowing the forward to finish his Rojiblancos tenure with a Copa del Rey final and a Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona still on the horizon.

“Antoine wants to leave Atlético on the highest possible note,” a source close to the player said. “Once those objectives are met, he is fully committed to beginning a new chapter in Orlando.”

That chapter could culminate in a star-studded Florida Derby against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, though supporters will have to wait. The first 2026 league meeting between the intra-state rivals ended in a 4-2 Miami victory on 1 March; the second, scheduled for 2 May at Miami Freedom Park, will also precede Griezmann’s arrival. A first competitive clash between the former Barcelona teammates would therefore require a postseason encounter or patience until the 2027 MLS kickoff.

Griezmann’s arrival is poised to elevate Orlando’s profile ahead of the 2026 season’s stretch run and into the league’s expanded playoff format. Club officials declined comment on contract figures, but industry estimates place the total package among the top three compensation packages ever granted by an MLS side.

For now, the Frenchman will use Atlético’s brief post-Madrid-derby hiatus to tour Orlando’s training ground at Osceola Heritage Park and complete medical examinations. Should Atlético advance through the Champions League, Griezmann would return to Madrid immediately after the weekend to resume preparations, keeping alive the possibility of a European farewell in the 30 May final.

Either way, Orlando City supporters can begin the countdown: 90 days until one of Europe’s most prolific attackers of the past decade lands in Central Florida—and, eventually, lines up opposite Messi under the Florida sun.