Lionel Messi's Deal To Inter Miami: A Game-Changer for MLS
The football world was sent into a frenzy when news broke of Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami last week. This deal is a big game changer for MLS, here's the breakdown of the deal and implications...
Happy New Week!
The football world was sent into a frenzy when news broke of Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami after turning down a $400 million per year offer to play in Saudi Arabia. The Argentine superstar, who spent the majority of his professional career at Barcelona, has now set his sights on conquering Major League Soccer (MLS). This groundbreaking deal not only has immense implications for Inter Miami but also for the MLS as a whole.
Messi’s deal is rumored to include an option for him to buy a percentage of the club. David Beckham bought the club for $25 million in 2018 and is now valued at $600 million and the valuation will keep rising especially with Messi joining the team. Inter Miami CF has already benefited commercially and digitally since the move. The club has seen a 4,500% increase in merchandise sales, and a 1,200% jump in ticket prices, and gained 4.2 million Instagram followers just 24 hours after announcing the move.
Lionel Messi's arrival in the MLS is a major milestone for the league. Messi is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi's decision to join Inter Miami is a testament to the growing appeal and competitiveness of American soccer. His presence will undoubtedly attract global attention, raising the profile of the MLS and attracting new fans both domestically and internationally.
Messi's inclusion in Inter Miami's roster brings an unprecedented level of skill and experience to the team. As a proven winner, his influence on the pitch will be invaluable in elevating the overall quality of play within the MLS. Inter Miami is currently sitting at the bottom of the table, so his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time for the team.
Beyond the sport, Messi's move to Inter Miami opens up a realm of commercial opportunities for the MLS. His global brand appeal and marketability will attract sponsors and investors eager to align themselves with the league. Sources claim that as part of the deal, Messi has been offered a profit-sharing agreement which will see him receive a share of the money earned by Adidas resulting from his involvement in the MLS. Adidas supplies the kits to all 29 teams in the MLS as well as being the league’s footwear and ball sponsor. With Messi’s impact expected to be gigantic for all parties, having a cut of the profits made from his arrival makes the deal even sweeter.
Messi joining the MLS player pool enhances the league's reputation as a viable destination for international football stars who are coming to the end of their careers, further boosting its marketability and revenue potential. Just like we’re seeing with the Saudi league.
Earlier this year, Apple signed a 10-year deal with Major League Soccer to stream their football games to fuel the sport and grow their audience domestically. MLS will also be collaborating with Lionel Messi and Apple TV+ for a documentary series, a strategic move that aims to expand the league's audience reach. It grants fans unprecedented access to the league's matches and exclusive content, further enhancing its appeal and fostering a deeper connection between viewers and the MLS.
Lionel Messi's decision to join Inter Miami has been a great strategic move. He’s been able to leverage the brand he has built as a professional football player for 19 years and sign a deal that makes great financial sense for him as well as marks a significant point for MLS. His arrival not only raises the league's profile but also serves as a catalyst for growth, attracting top talent, commercial opportunities, and a wider fanbase.
Have a great week!