Lionel Messi joined Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami from French giants Paris Saint-Germain after securing his second consecutive Ligue 1 title with the club this summer. After returning from a World Cup triumph, the Argentine captain opted not to extend his contract upon completion.
The former Barcelona icon departed from Blaugrana to move to Paris in August 2021, bidding goodbye after a long illustrious stint spanning two decades. His achievements at the Camp Nou solidify his status as the best player in the club’s history. Recently, former AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini revealed efforts to bring him to Milan.
Paolo Maldini sheds light on failed Lionel Messi transfer
This summer, Lionel Messi was officially unveiled as Inter Miami’s new number ten in MLS. Despite interest and substantial offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, the World Cup winner chose to sign for the David Beckham-co-owned Miami.
The 36-year-old successfully guided the club to its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, in its history since its inception. Prior to his MLS endeavors, the record eight-time Ballon d’Or holder spent two seasons in the French capital following his exit from his boyhood club Barcelona.
Former AC Milan defender and technical director at Rossoneri Paolo Maldini disclosed his dedicated attempt to secure Lionel Messi’s signature, but he failed to land him in Italy.
In a podcast, Paolo Maldini revealed, “We tried to sign Leo Messi. I wanted him, and we called for it, but after 10 days we understood it was just impossible. He’s a wonderful player, we tried but it was not possible for us.”
How much did Lionel Messi earn at PSG?
Due to financial obligations, Barcelona failed to offer Lionel Messi a contract renewal, prompting his departure as a free agent in the summer of 2021.
The French giants PSG, owned by Qatari billionaire club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, successfully convinced the Barça talisman to sign a lucrative two-year deal.
In his contract with PSG, he was estimated to earn a $41 million net annual salary, with $30 million included as a signing bonus.
Moreover, a share of the player’s image rights and jersey sales raised his annual income up to $75 million per year. During his two-year spell at Parc des Princes, the Argentine netted 32 goals and provided 35 assists in a total of 75 appearances in all competitions.
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