EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a stunning turn of events, Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami has emerged as the surprising frontrunner to secure the signature of footballing legend Lionel Messi this summer.
ESPN has revealed that the potential deal includes unique terms, such as an option for Inter Miami to gain partial ownership, mirroring the precedent set by David Beckham’s move to the MLS in 2007.
According to reports, the MLS would subsidize Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami, just as they did for Beckham over a decade ago. As a co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham had the opportunity to purchase an MLS team at a reduced price of $25 million.
In a similar vein, Inter Miami’s association with Beckham has evidently played a significant role in attracting top-tier talent like Messi to the American club.
Moreover, negotiations surrounding Messi’s move to Inter Miami have reportedly included a revenue-sharing arrangement tied to new subscribers of Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service. This unique facet of the agreement demonstrates the innovative approach being taken to secure Messi’s services and highlights the growing commercial potential of the MLS.
It is worth noting that any involvement of Messi’s long-time sponsor Adidas in the deal would be a separate arrangement between the player and the company, with no direct involvement from the MLS. This distinction highlights the complex nature of negotiations surrounding high-profile transfers and the multiple parties involved.
The unexpected turn of events comes after Messi recently left Paris Saint-Germain, making him a free agent sought after by several clubs.
While a return to his beloved Barcelona had been the subject of considerable speculation, Inter Miami’s emergence as a serious contender has altered the landscape of the transfer saga. Notably, Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal also expressed interest in signing the Argentina captain, dangling a lucrative offer in front of him.
If the deal with Inter Miami comes to fruition, it would mark a significant milestone in the MLS’s pursuit of global recognition and expansion. The acquisition of Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, would undoubtedly raise the league’s profile and attract increased international attention.
As negotiations continue to unfold, football fans around the world eagerly await the outcome of Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami.
The prospect of seeing the Argentine maestro grace MLS stadiums is a tantalizing prospect, highlighting the league’s growing allure and its ability to attract marquee talent.
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