Lionel Messi, the greatest player of his generation, if not of all time, arrives in MLS with Inter Miami after a three-game struggle.
After years of rumors, the player made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.
The Argentinian needs no introduction; seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 2022 World Cup champion, four-time Champions League winner and six-time European Golden Boot. He was simply the best player of the 21st century.
Then 35 years old – 36 years later in June -, the Pulga is still among the cream of world soccer, he is also strongly expected to be in the running among the finalists for the next Ballon d’Or. So why would he leave the Old Continent for the sun of Vice City? Short answer: money, family, and security.
After spending his entire European career with FC Barcelona, ​​Messi has worn the colors of Paris-Saint Germain in the last two campaigns. After an early elimination in the Champions League, the divorce between the French capital club and Messi has materialized. His contract with PSG will end on June 30.
It was with this information that three candidates approached Messi: FC Barcelona, ​​Inter Miami and Al-Hilal, a Saudi club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the most reputable informant in the world of football, Messi’s priority has always been to close the loop at Barcelona.
However, the president of the Blaugranas Joan Laporta, was unable to offer him any guarantee on the feasibility of his return. Due to Barca’s financial problems, the club had to do financial gymnastics and quickly get rid of players to afford Messi. Add in the Financial Fair Play rules which require clubs to spend a reasonable sum on talent players and it was an impossible love affair.
In the end, Barcelona were never able to come up with a real offer for Messi. He then turned to a second option.
Two camps have emerged in recent weeks on Messi’s case. First Al-Hilal offered a windfall of around C$1.5 billion over the span of a two-year contract, according to Romano.
However, Messi’s family, his wife Antonella and his children were not enthusiastic about the idea of ​​living in Saudi Arabia and as they were at the heart of the decision-making process, the choice of the left-hander stopped on the David Beckham club.
Without adding the income he would have made in the Middle East, Miami pulled out the heavy artillery to lure Messi into MLS.
According to The Athletic, Adidas and Apple have made concessions to number 10 in order to see him make his way to MLS.
Adidas, which signed Messi to a lifetime contract in 2017, has reportedly donated a portion of the revenue he will generate from joining the Argentinian. The German equipment manufacturer is in charge of designing the jerseys of all the teams on the Garber circuit until 2030. At that time, Messi will be retired.
For its part, Apple has reportedly submitted a portion of its spinoff to Messi as well. The Californian giant takes care of broadcasting all MLS matches on its Apple TV platform and Messi could receive some form of contribution depending on the number of subscribers he attracts. On Tuesday, Apple announced that it would produce a four-episode documentary series on participation in five editions of the world.
Messi would also be entitled to a clause in his contract allowing him to buy a portion of an MLS club after retiring. A deal similar to the one David Beckham had when he signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy, The Athletic pointed out.