French former Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann said on Wednesday that he achieved his life's dream by joining Orlando City in Major League Soccer. The former French international is preparing to renew his rivalry with Lionel Messi after years of facing the Argentine captain in Spain. Griezmann, 35, joined Orlando on a contract running until 2028 after leaving Atletico Madrid as their all-time top scorer. Griezmann told reporters during his presentation ceremony: 'Since I was 18, my dream was to join MLS, and it was very important for me to arrive in good physical and mental condition, which is why I took this step and fit in well with the club, and I love the city, and my children are very happy. It's an amazing and unexpected experience for me and my family, and I hope we can repay this love.' Griezmann mentioned that a visit from Ricardo Moreira, Orlando's sporting director, to his home in Madrid before the move influenced him and helped convince him that Orlando was the right destination. Griezmann is looking forward to facing Messi again in the Florida derby against Inter Miami. The Frenchman spent two seasons alongside the Argentine at Barcelona after years of rivalry between them when he played for Atletico, saying: 'They told me a lot about the local derby and I watched the last match, it will be a pleasure to face Messi again, as well as Rodrigo De Paul, with whom I have a very good relationship.'