Reports: Lionel Messi considering move to USA’s Major League Soccer

Berlin. Soccer world champion Lionel Messi will not move to Saudi Arabia for the time being, according to a report by The Athletic.

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A transfer to Al-Hilal was “out of the question”, he wanted 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 (35) to the United States after he ended at Paris Saint-Germain. Previously, “Goal” and “Spox” had also reported that Messi had asked to postpone his move to Al-Hilal until 2024.

The league has become very creative with all of this, “everything is on the table,” said an MLS representative “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. 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.

Twitter recordings fueled speculation

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.

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