Lionel Messi is set to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the month.
The Argentine great had received lucrative offers to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia this summer, with Al Hilal among his suitors, while Barcelona were also interested in re-signing him.
The franchise is, co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, and played its first official game in the MLS back in 2020.
It would be fair to say that it has been something of an eventful week for the Florida side, with coach of two years Phil Neville having been dismissed following a torrid run of form.
However, none of this drama seems to have deterred Messi, with any potential deal likely to see the Rosario-born ace net contributions from two of the MLS’ key commercial partners. Corporate giants Apple and Adidas have both been in discussions with the league regarding offering the forward a share of revenues generated through his involvement in the MLS.
According to the Athletic, Apple have offered the player a share of any revenue generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass following his signing. Furthermore, Adidas have also offered to hand him a cut of any increase in their profits which may result from his involvement stateside.
On top of this, after a glittering career in Europe which has seen him win countless trophies and become a world-renowned superstar, the chance to spend more time in Miami, where he owns a house, may have swung the balance.
The former Barcelona man could well make his debut versus Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21. It would be the first time Herons fans would get to see the star take to the field as an Inter Miami player at the club’s DRV PNK Stadium.
