The American Major League Soccer (MLS) witnessed a landmark moment as they secured their most significant player acquisition ever in the World Cup winner. Joining the ranks of legends like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and David Beckham, Messi has also embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career with Inter Miami. Scoring a last-minute free kick on his debut match, the boy from Rosario has keeps on adding more pointers in his favour in the incessant GOAT debate.
From a financial standpoint, the MLS and Inter Miami worked together to craft a groundbreaking deal that enticed Messi to leave the footballing romance of Paris, and choose the sunny shores of Florida amid Barcelona working on a deal for their legendary talisman. We will try to delve into the intricacies of the deal, Messi's potential earnings, the commercial implications it carries for both the player and the league, and the impact of Messi's arrival on Inter Miami and the MLS.
The Unprecedented Deal Structure: An Embarassement of Riches
The reported structure of Messi's contract with Inter Miami is unlike any seen before in the MLS. The unprecedented deal is set to be between 2 1/2 seasons and will offer him an annual salary ranging between $50 million and $60 million, while incorporating major commercial partners, including Apple and Adidas, to sweeten the offer.
Apple's Involvement: Argentinian Gets a Huge Bite at The Apple
Earlier this year, Apple signed a massive 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with the MLS, granting Apple TV+ exclusive streaming rights with the MLS Season Pass. As part of Messi's contract, he will receive a portion of the revenue shares generated by Apple during the course of his tenure. Additionally, a four-part docuseries covering Messi’s World Cup journey will be produced by Apple TV+, further elevating the commercial appeal of the deal.
Courtesy: 9to5Mac
Partnership with Adidas: Impossible is Literally Nothing Financially
Adidas, the official brand partner for all 29 MLS teams, has a longstanding relationship with Messi since 2006. His lifetime deal with the sportswear giant in 2017 continues to bind him to the brand. The new deal with Adidas will implement a profit-sharing system, allowing Messi to earn a share of Adidas' profits derived from their association with the MLS over the coming years. This partnership further solidifies Messi's role as a stakeholder in the future of the MLS.
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A Beckham-esque Future: Bending It in The Bank Account Like Beckham
The deal between Messi and Inter Miami is rumoured to offer additional perks similar to the blockbuster contract David Beckham signed with LA Galaxy in 2007. One notable perk includes an option for Messi to invest in an extension franchise within the MLS at a reduced cost. This echoes Beckham's investment in Inter Miami, which materialized in 2018, turning the club into a reality. The potential for Messi to leave a lasting legacy within the league is an exciting prospect for both him and the MLS.
A Business Relationship with Beckham: A Fledgling and Positive Partnership
David Beckham, an iconic figure in football, has a strong business relationship with Messi. The two have shared mutual admiration, and Messi congratulated Beckham on the establishment of Inter Miami in 2018. Beckham's presence and support at a PSG training camp earlier this year further fueled speculation about the potential collaboration between the two superstars.
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No wonder, the Bromance between the two superstars is unreal and was evident when Beckham started crying on watching Messi slot the last minute for his side. It won’t be a surprise if the two collaborate on some commercial deal in the future considering their strong relationship off the pitch.
Messi's Impact on Inter Miami and the MLS: How The American League Profits?
As Messi's transfer to Inter Miami became more imminent, the excitement surrounding the club and the league was palpable. Messi's arrival is expected to be a transformative moment for Inter Miami, drawing immense attention from fans, sponsors, and media alike. His aura and skill on the field will undoubtedly elevate the standard of football in the league, attracting more top-tier talent and increasing the global appeal of the MLS.
Former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi ALba have joined the former PSG star and it is rumoured that former stars Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta may soon join forces with their former Blaugrana teammates.
The Commercial Impact on the MLS: The Off-Field Reason for the Headline Transfer
The signing of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami presents an unprecedented opportunity for the MLS to catapult its global reach and commercial value. The league's association with Apple and the production of the docuseries chronicling Messi's journey can potentially attract new audiences and fans, especially those interested in the personal lives and behind-the-scenes moments of sporting icons.
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Furthermore, the MLS's extension deal with Adidas, now featuring Messi as a prominent stakeholder, establishes a strong bond between the league and one of the world's leading sportswear brands. This collaboration could lead to innovative marketing campaigns and exclusive merchandise collaborations, further elevating the MLS's brand image in the world of football.
Increase in Ticket Prices: Inter Miami Utilise Increase in Demand
The anticipation surrounding Messi's arrival has resulted in record-breaking ticket sales for Inter Miami. The first game featuring Messi against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 was already sold out, highlighting the immense appeal of the superstar. Moreover, broadcasters worldwide are scrambling to secure the rights to broadcast Inter Miami's matches, with a significant increase in demand leading to potentially lucrative broadcast deals for the MLS.
Courtesy: Goal.com
Many reports have noted that the cost of an average ticket has increased by over 900% in the wake of Lionel Messi signing for the club, and demand won’t slow for the remainder of the season, making it incredibly difficult to predict just how much a matchday ticket will cost.
Improvement in the USMNT Youth Team: Catalyzing Growth and Development:
The arrival of Messi in the MLS not only benefits Inter Miami and the league in terms of commercial value but also has a positive impact on the development of young talents in the United States. Messi's presence as a player and as an inspiration can motivate aspiring footballers to take their game to new heights, leading to a boost in youth participation and investment in soccer academies across the country.
Leo’s Impact: How the MLS Deal Transforms The Landscape Forever
Lionel Messi's journey to MLS and his association with Inter Miami are set to mark a historic chapter in the league's evolution. The groundbreaking deal, featuring partnerships with tech giant Apple and sportswear giant Adidas, highlights the commercial potential and financial gains Messi's arrival brings to both the player and the league.
As Messi dons the colours of Inter Miami and steps onto MLS pitches, fans around the world eagerly anticipate witnessing the magic of one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the sport. With his influence, the MLS is poised to reach new heights and cement its place as one of the premier football leagues globally. The impact of Messi's presence on Inter Miami and the league as a whole extends far beyond the confines of the pitch, presenting a transformative moment for American soccer.
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