Antoine Griezmann outlines goals for Orlando City ahead of MLS debut
The French World Cup winner joins Orlando City SC with trophies in his sights and a date with Lionel Messi on the horizon
Antoine Griezmann spent the better part of two decades proving himself at the highest levels of European football. Now, at 35, he is trading La Liga for MLS, and he arrived in Orlando with a very specific to-do list.
The French forward was officially introduced by Orlando City SC on July 7 and 8, 2026, where he wasted no time spelling out his ambitions: win a trophy with the club, adapt quickly to the American game, and go head-to-head against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
A debut that made its point immediately
In a friendly against Tampa Bay Rowdies, Griezmann scored on his very first touch of the ball, in the 32nd minute, and added an assist as Orlando City ran out 6-0 winners.
He will formally integrate with the squad on July 13, with his official MLS debut scheduled for later in July. The signing itself was announced back on March 24, 2026, giving the club several months to build anticipation around one of the more prominent European names to make the transatlantic move in recent memory.
Why this move makes sense for both sides
Griezmann, born March 21, 1991, accumulated more than 200 goals in La Liga across a career defined largely by his time at Atlético Madrid. He was a central figure in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph, finishing the tournament as one of its standout performers.
What is interesting is that this move was not purely a late-career pragmatic decision. Griezmann has said he harbored ambitions to play in the American league since he was 18 years old.
The club has not won an MLS Cup, and Griezmann made no secret of the fact that changing that is the primary objective.
The Messi factor and what it means for MLS
The subplot everyone will be watching is the Griezmann versus Messi matchup within MLS. The two played together for years at Barcelona and share a complicated history at the international level with their respective national teams.
Designated Player slots allow clubs to pay above the league’s salary cap for marquee signings. Griezmann’s contract runs through 2027-28 with a team option.