Messi’s Inter Miami Debut Date Set as €1 BILLION Saudi Deal Rejected
Renowned journalist Loic Tanzi from L’Equipe has revealed that Lionel Messi has rejected an astonishing contract offer from Al Hilal worth €1 billion per year. Instead, the Argentine superstar is edging closer to a transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami.
According to The Athletic, Messi has no interest in relocating to Saudi Arabia and is highly likely to join Inter Miami. The MLS is actively supporting Inter Miami to finalize the deal, with increasing optimism within the league and the club that the transfer is close to completion.
Sources indicate that Messi’s debut for Inter Miami has been tentatively scheduled for July 21 in a match against Mexican team Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium.
To enhance the financial aspect of the offer, two prominent commercial partners of MLS, Apple and Adidas, are contributing their support. Apple is prepared to provide Messi a share of the revenue generated from new subscribers to MLS Season Pass, the league’s streaming package on Apple TV+. On the other hand, Adidas is offering Messi a profit-sharing agreement, entitling him to a portion of any increase in the company’s profits resulting from his involvement in MLS.
In an additional incentive for Messi, there is a possibility that he may be granted the option to purchase a stake in an MLS team when his playing career in the United States concludes, a privilege similar to that enjoyed by David Beckham during his time with LA Galaxy.
Inter Miami, Al Hilal, and Barcelona are currently competing to secure Messi’s signature on a free transfer. As his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the month, Messi is certain to leave the club.
While a return to Barcelona is reportedly Messi’s preference, financial constraints make a deal highly challenging. Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday for discussions, but no formal offer was made. The transfer hinges on the approval of La Liga, which requires Barcelona to present a “Viability Plan” and subsequently raise funds through the sale of significant players, such as Ansu Fati and Raphinha.
Jorge Messi expressed skepticism about a potential return to Barcelona, stating, “I don’t think it will happen. A lot of things have to happen.”
The most lucrative financial offer for Messi currently comes from Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting that Al Hilal has offered him a contract ranging from €400-600 million per year. However, Tanzi’s recent report indicates that this offer has now skyrocketed to an almost unbelievable €1 billion per year.
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