Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest to grace the soccer pitch, will be setting foot in the USA after confirming a new contract deal with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in a surprise move, after many speculated that he would be returning to his former club FC Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Sergio Aguero had jokes for Lionel Messi after his move to Inter Miami 😂 pic.twitter.com/TcJ6x9Ldw1
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 9, 2023
It is a no brainer that such a huge name comes with an equally large contract. However, the exact details of the deal have not been revealed yet, and the 2022 World Cup winning captain’s fans around the globe cannot just stop speculating over the matter.
Fans speculates Lionel Messi’s alleged Inter Miami contract
According to reports, Messi has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal with Inter Miami that includes a one-year extension in 2026. Messi will reportedly receive a base salary plus bonuses under the terms of a complex agreement that has reportedly included contributions from Apple and Adidas.
Messi turned down a 3-year, $1.6B offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal to play in the @MLS with @InterMiamiCF
Messi has earned $600M after taxes…
His deal with Miami includes an option for team ownership, and a cut of revenue from @AppleTV’s MLS streaming service. pic.twitter.com/W4vRiqRvlc
— JYD (@Jake_Y_Dennis) June 8, 2023
According to reports, the deal is worth anywhere from $125 million to $150 million, with Apple and Adidas, two major MLS sponsors, negotiating deals based on how much money the legendary South American brings in. Messi may also be offered a share of the team’s ownership, as David Beckham was upon his arrival in the league.
However, none of it is confirmed as of yet.
Messi announcement raised Inter Miami’s Instagram followers more than any NFL, MLB, NHS team
The announcement of one of soccer’s biggest stars has definitely had a positive impact on Inter Miami. Well, at least in social media, so far.
The club’s official Instagram account has gained over 5.5 million new followers in the span of 48 hours after announcing Lionel Messi. Prior to the announcement, intermiamicf had just 1 million followers, whereas now, it boasts 6.7 million followers, and continues to gain new followers with every ticking minute.
Inter Miami have increased their following by 5x on Instagram since the Lionel Messi news broke 😳
The Messi effect is real 📈 pic.twitter.com/deoqhR3hC1
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 8, 2023
Judging by the social media impact, we can definitely say that Lionel Messi will bring much more to the table for Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer. We can’t wait to see him kick the soccer ball in Miami pink!
