Lionel Messi is making his way to the MLS as he has agreed to sign with Inter Miami this summer.
Concrete terms of this deal have yet to be formally announced, but it’s been reported that Messi will be granted a share of the revenue generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass — the league’s streaming package on Apple TV+. Future ownership is also said to be included in this deal. Once he retires, Messi will likely have the option to purchase a percentage of an MLS team much like David Beckham‘s contract with the LA Galaxy. The soon-to-be free agent has been in talks with the MLS about this creative offer, Saudi Arabia who was ready to offer him $400 million USD a year and Barcelona who hadn’t made any formal offers. Miami’s lifestyle, the Argentine community and the city’s upcoming Argentine national soccer training center likely made this move to the US more appealing for Messi.
The Argentinian football superstar’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is slated to expire at the end of June, meaning that his debut for the MLS club will arrive in July or August. For two decades, Messi was the face of Barcelona’s franchise as he earned 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He departed from the Spanish team to join PSG in 2021, but has since underwent two lackluster seasons.
For other news, a Lionel Messi Documentary is coming to Apple TV+.
