America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to receive a significant shot in the arm after Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi revealed he will join David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Securing the services of one Lionel Messi Heads to Inter Miami, and Apple is Helping Fund the Move the best soccer players to have ever lived is a significant coup for Beckham’s franchise and soccer as a whole in the United States.
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is out of contract with French Ligue 1 side Paris St. Germain and has had a host of clubs clambering for his signature. FC Barcelona, where Messi spent most of his illustrious career, wanted the return of their prodigal son, while rumors suggest Messi turned down a potential $400 million windfall to put pen to paper with the Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal. Messi’s deal at Paris St. Germain saw him earn $41 million per year after tax, so how can Inter Mami compete when such astronomical sums of money are being banded around?
Inter Miami is a team in flux. The team is languishing at the root of the MLS Eastern Conference after recording only five victories but 11 defeats from their opening 16 games. Miami’s poor run of form ultimately led to Beckham relieving former Manchester United and England teammate Phil Neville of his head coach duties and has seen the best betting sites in California predict Miami will finish rock bottom in the MLS come the end of the season. Those bookies may be left with eggs on their faces if Messi turns out in a pink Inter Miami jersey this season.
Messi Set for a Sizeable Wage Cut, or is He?
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— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 18, 2022
It should be obvious that Messi will take a massive pay cut to play in the MLS. His first hurdle is that the competition has a salary cap. Even without a salary cap, MLS teams do not enjoy the same level of revenue as the top European sides. Of course, Messi is a wealthy man who does not need the money, but he is also an astute businessman who knows his brand’s value and what he brings to the table. MLS officials are so keen on having Messi play in their league that they are considering changing the rules and allowing Messi to have a spot in the Miami roster free from the constraints of a salary cap.
Switzerland international and former Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is the highest-paid player in the MLS. Chicago Fire pays Shaqiri a $7.35 million base salary, with a total of $8.15 million guaranteed. Although most people worldwide would be delighted to earn $8.15 million annually, Messi usually makes five times that much.
Spanish news outlet Sport claims Miami has offered Messi a deal worth $54 million per year, although there are yet to be any official comments from Messi or Inter Miami executives. However, subscription site The Athletic revealed two of the MLS’ most prominent business partners are clubbing together to help make the dream of having Messi grace the league with his presence a reality.
Apple and Adidas are thought to be offering Messi a lucrative revenue share deal to entice him to the United States for his last hoorah. Apple recently signed a 10-year $2.5 billion deal with the MLS to show the league’s matches via its Apple TV+ streaming service. Earlier this week, Apple also revealed it will stream a four-part docuseries about Messi’s five FIFA World Cup appearances. The technology giant is confident that soccer fans will sign up for the MLS Season Pass to watch Messi do what he does best in the MLS.
Adidas has been in bed with the MLS since the competition’s inception in 1996 and signed a six-year $830 million extension that sees the German manufacturer supply kits to all 29 MLS teams, provide the official match ball, and become the league’s official footwear sponsor. Adidas has sponsored Messi since 2006.
Following in Beckham’s Footsteps
In addition to paying his base salary, Inter Miami is likely offering Messi the opportunity to purchase a percentage of an MLS team once he officially hangs up his boots. Ironically, Beckham was offered such a deal when he transferred to L.A. Galaxy in 2007. Part of Beckham’s contract gave him the option to purchase an MLS extension team for $25 million. That team turned out to be Inter Miami.
Messi has confirmed that he is on his way to Miami but that a few things need ironing out before he officially signs. His Paris St. Germain contract ends on June 30, so, in theory, we could see Messi in a Miami jersey against Austin FC in Fort Lauderdale on July 1. Watch this space.
