Lionel Messi has been performing exceptionally well for his new team, showcasing his brilliance during their Leagues Cup opener against Cruz Azul. As a second-half substitute, he managed to score a crucial last-minute free-kick, leading the team to a 2-1 triumph.
Inter Miami’s co-owner’s announcement dealt a major blow to FC Barcelona
This outstanding form persisted in the following match against Atalanta United, where Messi displayed his prowess with two goals and an assist, securing a convincing 2-0 victory. His first goal came just eight minutes into the game, and he quickly followed up with a second goal to cement his impact on the field.
Following his departure from PSG amid controversy and facing fan jeers in his last match, he entered a phase as a free agent. During this time, he was linked with both Barcelona, who were considered the frontrunners, and the Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
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Despite receiving a lucrative offer from Al Hilal, he declined the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he did not opt to join financially troubled Barcelona. Although Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, couldn’t succeed in re-signing him for the La Liga side, he assured fans that there would be a farewell match for the player at the club. Despite speculations about a possible loan to Barcelona during the MLS off-season, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas refuted these rumors.
During an interview on the Offside podcast with Taylor Twellman, Mas clarified, “I want to caveat that. I don’t know if it’s some type of friendly or farewell game. They have this Gamper Trophy they play for in the summer.”
Nevertheless, there will be an opportunity for Lionel Messi to have a proper farewell, ideally coinciding with the opening of the new Camp Nou. Barcelona will not be utilizing their current stadium for the next eighteen months.
The co-owner of Inter Miami made it clear that this farewell does not involve any loan arrangement with Barcelona, as that possibility has been ruled out. He emphasized that Messi deserves a befitting goodbye at his former club, and he is committed to doing everything within his capacity to facilitate and support that, acknowledging Messi’s well-earned status.
According to a recent interview with El Pais, Messi has committed to a two-year contract with Inter Miami, where he is reportedly earning an impressive salary ranging between 50 to 60 million dollars per season.
Additionally, Messi stands to benefit from lucrative endorsement deals with both Apple and Adidas. Apple TV, the official streaming service of MLS, is said to have offered Messi a share of the profits generated by new subscribers to the MLS Season Pass streaming service on their platform. Moreover, Apple TV is producing a four-episode documentary series chronicling Messi’s FIFA World Cup journey.
Meanwhile, Adidas, a major sponsor for both MLS and Messi, has presented him with the opportunity to earn a portion of the profits from merchandise sales upon his arrival in the USA. Furthermore, upon his retirement, Messi will acquire over one-third ownership of Inter Miami, further solidifying his connection to the club.
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