On the 15th of July, 2023, Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami CF announced that they had completed the free transfer signing of Lionel Messi. Messi signed a contract that will last for two-and-a-half seasons, with an option to extend for another season in 2026.

Messi, the new number 10, was unveiled on the following Sunday at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home of Inter Miami, alongside his former FC Barcelona teammate, midfielder Sergio Busquets. However, David Beckham’s Miami team was not the only club interested in picking up the World Cup and Ballon D’or winner. They had to fend off the interest of Saudi-Arabian side Al Hilal and, most notably, Messi’s former team, Barcelona.

For many reasons, I personally believe that Messi transferring to the MLS was his best option. So let’s take a look at why the MLS is best for Messi and why it is beneficial for the MLS as well.

The Finances, Adidas, and Apple TV

To begin with, let’s take a look at this situation financially. The Argentinian will be making a mouth-watering amount of money, around $416 thousand-$500 thousand a week, or roughly $50 million-$60 million a year. To put that into perspective, by 2025, his earnings would reach an estimated $1.6 billion dollars. This would put him on par with the top earners in the NBA and NFL. In addition to his salary and wages, he will receive a portion of the earnings that Apple TV and Adidas receive from match viewership and jerseys sold.

Even better, once he retires, he will also have a stake in Inter Miami CF, meaning that he would receive a small portion of the club’s earnings once he decides to hang up his boots; it makes sense because he could then have partial ownership of the team.

The Attractiveness of the United States and the MLS

In addition, I believe that the MLS is an attractive league for players looking to end their careers.  While he wouldn’t be the first major player to join MLS—Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Chicharito, Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard, and more have also committed—he definitely would be the biggest.

Also, it clearly isn’t entirely about the money either, considering the Saudi-Arabian club that was interested in signing him, Al Hilal, had offered him a $400 million annual contract. So, while the money he would have made in Saudi-Arabia is much more appealing, the other financial benefits of the MLS and the attractiveness of it really helped him decide.

The growing popularity of the sport could also be a factor in why Messi picked the United States. According to Soccer.com jersey sales, Messi is the most popular soccer player in America. Where in Saudi-Arabia (where Cristiano Ronaldo plays), it can be assumed that Ronaldo is more popular, so it of course makes more sense. Also, the size of the MLS is growing, with more expansion teams and different competitions being added. Because of this, the general popularity of the league is increasing, which would also help expose Messi and his amazing career to more people.

It’s Good for the MLS too! The MLS is often seen as a “retirement” league or a league that is small and lacks genuine interest from fans. However, Messi joining this league would be an extreme boost for the MLS, not only in the U.S, but in the rest of the world as well. Any professional’s goal would be to play with Messi, so this could have more players move to Miami or, at least, move to MLS teams to compete against him. It makes so much sense.

Major League Soccer also benefits financially from this transfer as well. For example, the highest price for an official ticket (not resold) for Messi’s unveiling was $487. It can then be inferred that ticket prices will increase, especially in fixtures against Inter Miami and Messi. Another way that the MLS makes money is via the number of people watching games (those watching before, halftime, and full-time advertisements as well), where they receive money from the league broadcaster, which is Apple TV this season.

In Conclusion…

Messi moving to Miami is, in my opinion, the perfect deal for both parties. The MLS can benefit off of Messi’s successful career and world influence, and Messi can benefit off of the growing popularity of the MLS.

It’s Good for the MLS too! The MLS is often seen as a “retirement” league or a league that is small and lacks genuine interest from fans. However, Messi joining this league would be an extreme boost for the MLS, not only in the U.S, but in the rest of the world as well. Any professional’s goal would be to play with Messi, so this could have more players move to Miami or, at least, move to MLS teams to compete against him. It makes so much sense.

Major League Soccer also benefits financially from this transfer as well. For example, the highest price for an official ticket (not resold) for Messi’s unveiling was $487. It can then be inferred that ticket prices will increase, especially in fixtures against Inter Miami and Messi. Another way that the MLS makes money is via the number of people watching games (those watching before, halftime, and full-time advertisements as well), where they receive money from the league broadcaster, which is Apple TV this season.

In Conclusion…

Messi moving to Miami is, in my opinion, the perfect deal for both parties. The MLS can benefit off of Messi’s successful career and world influence, and Messi can benefit off of the growing popularity of the MLS.

By Matthew Polyak

Works Cited:

• Theathletic.co.uk
• Skysports.com
• Sportico.com
• Zumapress.com
• Worldsoccertalk.com
• Givemesport.com
• Dailymail.co.uk
• Cnn.com
• Reuters.com
• Sportsnet.ca