Inter Miami have officially announced the signing of Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward. Messi, who recently left Paris Saint Germain, has signed a two-year deal with the MLS side, with an option to extend it for a third year.
The 36-year-old Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory last December, will earn a staggering “between $50 and $60 million per year” at Inter Miami, as revealed by the club’s co-owner, Jorge Mas. This salary is partly being funded by Apple, which is set to pay part of Messi’s salary.
Messi will also earn a percentage of the revenue generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass, which is broadcast via Apple TV. This unique arrangement is a testament to Messi’s global appeal and the potential he brings to the MLS in terms of attracting new audiences.
In addition to the financial details, Mas also highlighted the pivotal role played by David Beckham, another Inter Miami co-owner, in convincing Messi to move to the United States. Mas said, “I spent three years on it, a year and a half very intensely. There were many conversations with Jorge [Messi]. David [Beckham] talked to Leo, only about football issues, because he was a player.”
“We spoke in Barcelona, Miami, Rosario, Doha… I spent the whole World Cup in Qatar, watching Argentina. The Apple contract was very important to close the deal.”
Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami later this month in the Leagues Cup, where Inter Miami will face off against Mexican side Cruz Azul. The former Barcelona captain will be met with a number of familiar faces upon his arrival in Miami, with Sergio Busquets and former coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino recently having joined the MLS side.
