Football icon David Beckham's Inter Miami team officially reveals the signing of Lionel Messi, triggering a significant drop in MLS Cup odds.
Lionel Messi Joins Inter Miami: A Game-Changer for MLS
In a groundbreaking move for Major League Soccer (MLS), seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has signed for David Beckham's franchise, Inter Miami. The announcement was made to over 21,000 spectators at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with thousands more lining the streets.
Messi, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring and assisting abilities, will bring a new level of star power to the MLS. On average, he scores a goal every 105 minutes, assists one every 237 minutes, and is involved in a goal every 73 minutes.
The financial structure of Messi's deal with Inter Miami is unique. Besides a 2.5-year Designated Player contract, valid through 2025, Inter Miami aims to offer him a long-term deal, allowing him to play as long as he wants. This flexibility is due to Messi's ownership stake in the club, which financially ties him to the team beyond typical player earnings. As a minority owner, he will remain affiliated with the club even after his playing career, potentially in other roles.
Messi's ownership position is not his only source of income. He has lucrative sponsorships with major global brands such as Adidas and Apple. Adidas likely provides substantial endorsement income and supplies his kits, while Apple's involvement, particularly through MLS broadcasting deals, further amplifies Messi's global commercial footprint in the league.
Inter Miami is also reportedly in negotiations to extend Messi's contract, potentially for at least three years, possibly until 2028 or longer, depending on Messi's desires.
Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has sparked excitement and anticipation. Online sports betting sites have slashed the odds on Inter Miami winning the MLS Cup next season. Messi is expected to make his debut against Cruz Azul on July 21.
Beckham stated that signing Messi improves his team's fortunes and places the MLS on the global football map. Messi, too, has a chance to add to his legendary status by helping Inter Miami become a significant force in the MLS and beyond.
Interestingly, tech giants Apple and sportswear company Adidas are believed to have offered Messi a revenue share deal to facilitate his move to Inter Miami. Despite a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami and MLS officials have secured Messi's move.
Rumours are circulating that Messi's former Barcelona teammates, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, could join him at Inter Miami. Fans are eagerly awaiting the first time they will see Messi wearing Inter Miami's pink and black kit.
Messi, standing at 5ft 7in tall, has scored 807 goals and assisted 357 others in 1,028 appearances. His unveiling at Inter Miami's stadium was met with thunderous applause and cheers from thousands of supporters. Winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022 was Messi's proudest moment, but it remains to be seen if he can replicate that success in the MLS.
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Messi's decision to join Inter Miami has revitalized the MLS, as the football star brings his exceptional goal-scoring and assisting abilities to the league. As shown by his impressive statistics, he scores a goal every 105 minutes and assists one every 237 minutes, significantly boosting the team's potential.
With Messi's ownership stake in the club and lucrative sponsorships from brands like Adidas and Apple, Inter Miami is poised to become a major contender in MLS sports, potentially elevating the league's global football standing.
