Lionel Messi announced his next club in an interview with Diario SPORT, the Argentine forward confirming he has opted for Inter Miami.
The Athletic explain that José Mas and Jorge Mas, the owners of the American club, handled the negotiations in person, and have given details of the offer made to convince Messi, a proposal in which MLS has been involved.
In addition to the salary offered by Inter Miami, both MLS and Apple are offering Messi a share of the revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV+’s MLS broadcast package. Both organisations have a 10-year contract signed this spring for $2.5 billion and believe Messi’s arrival will boost ratings and subscribers.
Apple, in fact, already announced a five-part documentary series on Messi’s World Cup appearances.
Adidas, who sponsor Messi and are one of MLS’s main sponsors, have also been involved in the negotiations. The Argentine would receive a share of any extra revenue Adidas earns from its involvement in MLS. The German firm has been associated with MLS since 1996 and recently signed a six-year, $830 million deal.
In addition, he is being offered the chance to buy an MLS franchise when his playing days are over. David Beckham did something similar when he played for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Englishman bought part of Inter Miami.
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023
