Reports coming out of North American football indicate that the Major League Soccer of the United States have all decided to pitch in to bring Lionel Messi to the league.
Messi is currently close to leaving Paris Saint-Germain after two years and several options for his future are currently being discussed in the media. Alongside the prospect of him remaining in France, it is possible that Messi could return to Barcelona or move to America to play out the rest of his career.
The move to America will be similar to Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia according to the reports, as the league is looking to capitalise on his star power to boost their ratings. But unlike Saudi Arabia with its ultra-wealthy football clubs, the various MLS are planning to pitch in to sign Messi as a league player and give him the liberty to choose the club he will represent.
Just as Ronaldo is an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Messi will come in as an ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico. It is unknown if the 35-year-old will be active by the time the next tournament rolls round, but a move to the host’s environment for the MVP of the most recent tournament is a big step in the right direction, marketing wise.
Before the report, Inter Miami have been in talks with his entourage over his transfer. However, Messi earns around $1.1 million-a-week in wages and this would breach the leagues financial fair play rules. Inter Miami have been discussing options with the Messi family for almost two seasons now but with the latest development, the former Barcelona man could be playing for the club on his preferred salary structure.
The MLS chiefs have agreed that all the clubs in the league will all fund his salary while he plays wherever he wants as a trophy player.
Inter Miami coach Phil Neville said in the past about the media chatter about Messi being under his tutelage: “I’m not going to deny [it and say] there isn’t truth in the speculation that we’re interested in Lionel Messi.
“We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club. Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years. They’re great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organisation. For MLS, it would be a game-changer.
“I think this would be probably the biggest signing in history. I can’t think of another star of that magnitude to come from a major footballing country to this place.
“This is maybe similar (to Beckham’s arrival), but maybe even bigger. I think you’re talking about one of the greatest footballers of all time. When you talk about Miami, we have to be in for players like that, you know?”
Moving to Inter Miami could also see them succeed in their bid to land Sergio Busquets, who, according to the media, is hanging his future on what Messi plans to do, be it return to Barcelona, move to the Middle East or to the MLS.
