MLS, Adidas, Apple... how can Inter Miami afford Lionel Messi?

A (small) surprise. Courted by FC Barcelona - whom he wanted to find - and by Al-Hilal, Lionel Messi will continue his career on the other side of the Atlantic, at Inter Miami. Nothing is (yet) signed, but this is what "la Pulga" announced on Wednesday. "I made the decision to go to Miami. It's not 100% done. There are still some things (to be settled) but we have decided to continue on the path, "explained the seven-time Ballon d'Or.

An annual salary of nearly €50 million

To attract the 2022 World Champion, one of the greatest players in history, Major League Soccer has been particularly creative in terms of financial package. Within David Beckham's franchise, the Argentine should receive an annual salary of $ 50 million, or nearly 47 million euros; a (nice) remuneration made possible thanks to the status of designated player which he should benefit from and which will allow him not to be concerned by the salary cap of Inter Miami. If this sum appears (very) substantial it remains however ... ten times lower than the one that awaited him in Saudi Arabia.

SEE ALSO - Lionel Messi to continue his career in Miami

Apple TV and Adidas involved in the financing package

But if Lionel Messi has (also) been seduced by Florida, it is because his remuneration will not be limited to his annual salary. MLS, Apple TV, which owns the rights to the league, and Adidas, one of its historical sponsors, have agreed to offer him a (very) interesting package. On the one hand, the FC Barcelona-trained player should receive a share of the revenue generated by the new subscriptions to the streaming service of the Apple brand "MLS Season Pass". On the other hand, he should also receive an incentive on the future profits (that his arrival is supposed to generate) of the three-stripe brand.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the 35-year-old forward could have the opportunity to acquire a stake in Inter Miami; without benefiting - as reported by The Athletic - from a reduction, as was the case with David Beckham. This last point is very important because the valuation of MLS franchises continues to increase. Becoming a shareholder of the Florida franchise could therefore bring big returns to Lionel Messi.