The football community was shaken on June 7 by the announcement that Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the all-time greats in the sport, will be joining Major League Soccer (MLS) and playing for Inter Miami CF following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. 

The Argentine football star is set to become the newest addition to the star-studded roster of Major League Soccer. Despite rumored offers from Saudi Arabia and a potential return to Barcelona, Messi has decided to make his way to Miami, Florida in the US, for the concluding phase of his illustrious career.

Messi’s Contract and Salary Detail at Inter Miami

Messi was earning an estimated $45 million per year (net) during his time in Paris. However, it’s important to note that MLS has a strict salary cap and roster regulations in place to prevent excessive contracts with individual players. As a result, the specific details of the deal Messi could potentially secure in MLS would be subject to these regulations. The terms of his contract would need to follow the salary cap and roster rules set by the league.

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According to reports, Messi has reached an agreement on a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami, with the inclusion of a 12-month option for 2026. This complex agreement, reportedly involving contributions from Apple and Adidas, has been planned to facilitate the move, benefitting all parties involved in the long term. The contract entails Messi receiving a base salary along with additional bonuses.

Messi’s contract is reportedly valued at around $125 million to $150 million. MLS sponsors Apple and Adidas are said to be working on agreements that will be tied to the revenue Messi generates as a prominent figure in the league. 

Additionally, there is a possibility of Messi being granted an ownership stake, similar to the arrangement given to David Beckham when he joined MLS.

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When is Messi’s First Match with Inter Miami?

The specific date of Lionel Messi’s debut in MLS with Inter Miami CF has not been officially announced at the moment. Various reports suggest different dates, but it is widely believed that Messi’s proposed debut could take place on July 21. However, alternative timeframes such as “later in July, at the earliest” or even “August” have also been mentioned.

The MLS regular season will end on October 21 and playoffs will start from October 25. And the final game is set to take place on December 9. So, Messi might get a few matches in the regular season.

However, July 21 is a significant date as Inter Miami will host Mexican club Cruz Azul  for the Leagues Cup.

Another date to keep an eye on is July 19, as it marks the grand unveiling event: the 2023 MLS All-Star Game at DC United’s Audi Field. On this occasion, the MLS All-Star XI will face English Premier League team Arsenal in the highly anticipated annual showcase match. If Messi is not participating in this game, it is highly likely that he will be introduced to a thrilled crowd during a prime-time presentation.

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What Kind of Impact Can Messi Make?

To begin with, Inter Miami is expanding DRV PNK Stadium by adding approximately 2,500 to 3,000 seats. This development indicates that the capacity will likely increase to 22,000 spectators. Moreover, Miami Freedom Park is set to debut in March 2025. Just envision the spectacle of opening night with Messi in the starting lineup.

What Is the Reason Behind Apple and Adidas’ Involvement in Messi’s Contract?

Apple and Adidas have become involved in Messi’s contract for specific reasons. Apple’s involvement begins with their recent 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Major League Soccer (MLS). They see Messi as a crucial player who can help generate more interest in the league. Apple has also produced a four-part docu series centered around Messi’s five World Cup appearances, which will soon be available for streaming on Apple TV.

Adidas, as a corporate sponsor of MLS, has expressed interest in establishing a profit-sharing arrangement with Messi. According to sources, this agreement would be tied to any future growth in MLS-related sales attributed to the player.

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Adidas, which has been Messi’s sponsor since 2006, has been associated with MLS since its inception in 1996. They will continue to supply kits to all 29 teams in the league and serve as the official match ball provider until 2030, following a six-year, $830 million contract extension.

These partnerships reflect the belief that Messi’s presence will help expand the reach and commercial success of MLS, making him an attractive asset for both Apple and Adidas.

Messi’s Impact on MLS Ticket Price

Since the announcement, secondary ticket marketplace StubHub has witnessed a substantial surge in sales for Inter Miami’s matches starting in July. In fact, ticket sales for matches scheduled from July 2023 onwards have already surpassed the total number of tickets sold for the entire 2022 season during the same period last year. The presence of Messi, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest soccer players in history and a victor in last year’s World Cup, comes at a premium cost.

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According to StubHub, average ticket prices for the team owned by David Beckham have increased significantly, experiencing a surge of 4.5 times. Prices have skyrocketed from $24.52 to $124.51 since the news of Messi’s arrival broke.

Vivid Seats, another secondary ticket platform, has reported an astonishing 1,021% increase in the average price for attending a Leagues Cup match between Cruz Azul from the Mexican League and Inter Miami. On June 4, a ticket was priced at $122, whereas merely six days later, the same ticket was being sold for $1,413.

Final Words

As part of the offer from Inter Miami, Messi has the option for partial ownership in the club. However, it is worth noting that his contract does not include any form of subsidy similar to the arrangement Beckham received. Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi appears to prioritize not only his financial standing but also his legacy.

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