MLS Deal to Bring Leo Messi into Inter Miami
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Lionel Messi Chooses Inter Miami: A Game-Changing Move for MLS
Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football player, has decided where to continue his career after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and its MLS Inter Miami. Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, Messi has chosen to join the Miami-based team. The deal between Messi and Inter Miami has reportedly been finalized, although the exact terms remain undisclosed.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Messi explained his reasoning behind the move: “I decided to go to Miami. I still don’t have it one hundred percent closed. I’m missing some things, but we continued on this path.” The football star was motivated by factors beyond financial gain, wanting to move away from the European spotlight and focus more on his family.
While this marks Messi’s first venture outside of Europe, details regarding the deal’s specifics bringing him to the United States are still mysterious. However, recent reports shed some light on the situation. According to anonymous sources cited by The Athletic, both MLS and Apple TV+ view Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami as a significant boost for the league. Discussions are underway regarding a revenue-sharing agreement tied to subscriptions for the MLS Season Pass.
🚨😳 Included in Lionel Messi's deal with Inter Miami:
➡️ Percentage on subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass from APPLE TV, paid directly by APPLE
➡️ Percentage of Inter Miami shirt sales, paid directly by Adidas
➡️ Possibility of acquiring an MLS franchise at the end of his… pic.twitter.com/liWC0wgDt8— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 7, 2023
Apple TV+ has also announced plans for a four-part documentary about Messi’s five World Cup appearances, focusing on his triumph in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This collaboration with Apple further amplifies the global attention on MLS and solidifies the league’s position in the international sports landscape.
Beyond the MLS deal, it is worth noting that Messi already owns a residence in Miami. Additionally, his longstanding partnership with Adidas, a corporate sponsor of MLS, ensures a continued association with the league, as the sportswear giant signed a lifetime footwear sponsorship agreement with Messi in 2017.
Although specific details of the agreement between Messi and Inter Miami are yet to be made public, it is evident that Apple and MLS have secured a significant victory in their quest to bring the spotlight to the league. As Messi prepares to embark on this new chapter of his career, all eyes will be on Inter Miami and the impact this high-profile signing will have on the American soccer scene.
