Messi’s contract expiry in the French capital induced many suitors, among them was his former club Barcelona, whereas a strong intent to bring him to Saudi Arabia was also there. But despite numerous rumours, Messi has decided to set foot in the USA with Inter Miami.
It is also reported Messi rejected a 1 billion euro per year salary from Al-Hilal, which would have broken all footballing records. In Saudi Arabia, he could have joined the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, whereas N’Golo Kante is also tipped to make a move soon.
When it could have been a financially perfect deal for Messi at the twilight of his career, why did Messi decide to join Inter Miami? We have tried to dissect the reasons for him joining Inter Miami instead of the Saudi Club Al-Hilal or Barcelona.
Messi’s deal with Inter Miami
Messi’s Inter Miami deal is not just based on the wage and football-related add-ons. It is understood the Argentine has joined hands with the MLS outfit for a humongous financial package which is not related to his on-field performances.
Lionel Messi’s arrival at MLS will be a groundbreaking transfer story. Arguably the greatest footballer of this planet donning Inter Miami’s shirt won’t just be a radical transformation in matters on the ground, but it will change the dynamics of the club’s and league’s financial estimations.
Messi deal includes profits from Adidas and Apple
And as BBC announced, Messi’s move to Miami includes a deal with massive brands like Apple and Adidas, which extends beyond the game.
He is set to receive a massive package from the revenue generated by Apple from MLS season passes. Messi will also receive a share of the profit from Adidas after his arrival in Miami. It means he will get a share of all Messi-based merchandises Adidas sells after he joins the MLS club.
This is a rolling and long-term package for the player, and obviously a lucrative one which tempted the Argentine to join the MLS club. He is also reportedly given an option to buy a stake of a MLS club after his retirement.
Beside that, Messi will receive €50 million a year as salary while his stay at the club.
Messi has a house in Miami, so accommodation will be no issue
Lionel Messi owns a house in Miami. The former PSG player’s lavish abode is currently rented out but surely the player will settle with his family in his own home. Hence accommodation won’t be an issue when he completes the switch.
Barcelona were Messi’s first preference but..
Amid Messi’s move to MLS, MyKhel can confirm that Barcelona was his preferred destination as he left PSG. The World Cup 2022 winner wanted to play in Europe at least for another season, and the Spanish giants would have been his first choice.
But Barcelona’s financial fair play issues meant they were not in a position to offer Messi a contract and thus his dream homecoming didn’t materialize.
MLS has a bigger pedigree than Saudi Pro League
Lionel Messi also wanted to play at a decent competitive level. Although Saudi Pro League has made some huge inroads in terms of luring European talents, it still hasn’t reached the level of MLS. Hence it also played a part in Messi’s decision to choose USA over Saudi Arabia.
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