Lionel Messi last played for Paris Saint-Germain for two years. A surprising change follows
Which: REUTERS
Where does Lionel Messi move to? An insane salary beckons in Saudi Arabia, and FC Barcelona would also like to bring the Argentine superstar back. Media reports that Messi has decided to join a new club.
Welder champion Lionel Messi is set to join Inter Miami and sign up for US Major League Soccer (MLS). The BBC reported on Wednesday. As a result, the 35-year-old Argentinian is said to have turned down a more lucrative offer from Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and is making the leap overseas. The league sponsors Apple and adidas are also said to be involved in the deal in the USA. Miami co-owner is David Beckham.
A report by “The Athletic” previously said that the footballer would not move to Saudi Arabia for the time being. A transfer to Al-Hilal is “out of the question”, he wants to either go back to his heart club FC Barcelona or to the USA. Accordingly, Major League Soccer and Inter Miami, co-owner David Beckham, are trying to bring the seven-time world footballer to the United States after his end at Paris Saint-Germain. Previously, “Goal” and “Spox” also reported that Messi had asked to postpone his move to Al-Hilal until 2024.
The league has gotten very creative with all of this, “everything is on the table,” an MLS representative told The Athletic. The MLS offer to Messi therefore includes payments from the two biggest league sponsors. The MLS and the tech giant Apple want to offer Messi a share of the streaming revenues.
Messi not to Saudi Arabia after all
Apple and MLS signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal earlier this month. Apple also announced on Tuesday that it would broadcast a four-part documentary series covering Messi’s five World Cup appearances. Adidas, one of the biggest MLS sponsors, is said to be preparing its own agreement. They offer Messi a profit-sharing deal with the sportswear giant. Messi already has a lifetime contract with the German company.
On Monday, a short video in Spain had once again fueled speculation about Messi’s return to Barcelona. Sports journalist Toni Juanmartí posted footage on Twitter showing Messi’s father and manager Jorge entering the home of Barça club boss Joan Laporta on Monday.
After two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, the seven-time world footballer is leaving the French champions in the summer. The Argentine’s contract expires on June 30 and Messi can then move on a free transfer. According to media reports, Al-Hilal is offering Messi an annual salary of well over 300 million euros. Payments of up to 500 million euros per year were also reported.
2023-06-07 16:33:00
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