MLS
How much will Lionel Messi earn per year with Inter Miami?
Messi is almost set for his debut with Inter Miami, which will take place on 21 July against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Jorge Mas, the president of Inter Miami, spoke all things MLS and Lionel Messi in an interview with El País in Florida.
Messi is almost set for his debut with the MLS side, which will take place on 21 July against Mexican club Cruz Azul.
Mas, who is also the president of Real Zaragoza in Spain, has revealed what the process was like to secure the signing of Messi. “It took three years, one and a half years was really intense. There were a lot of conversations with Jorge [Messi’s father and agent],” he said.
Apple deal key
He goes on to say that Apple TV’s long-term broadcasting deal with the MLS was key in getting the deal across the line with competition from Saudi Arabia.
“I saw it all done at the end of May. David [Beckham] would speak to Leo, only about football, because he was playing in Paris. We didn’t want him to feel pressured. We had spoken in Barcelona, Miami, Rosario, Doha... I spent the entire World Cup in Qatar watching Argentina. To close the deal, the Apple contract was very important.”
How much will Messi earn in MLS?
With his PSG contract officially up since 1 July, World Cup winner Messi is now set to begin his stint in America with Inter Miami.
Mas also indicated that Messi will earn between $50m and $60m with the MLS club. The former Barcelona forward will have a share of shirt sales from Adidas, as well as some of the broadcasting rights income and a stake in the club itself when he hangs his boots up.
When will Messi officially join Inter Miami?
Messi is expected to officially join Inter Miami soon, and there are plans for an introduction event on 16 July, according to the Associated Press.