Inter Miami owner reveals Lionel Messi debut date, details behind historic deal

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·20 de junho de 2023

Inter Miami owner reveals Lionel Messi debut date, details behind historic deal

Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain this summer after a two-year stint at the Parc des Princes. He left the club as a free agent.

With Barcelona and a Saudi League club battling for his signature, the Argentine made a surprising decision.

Vídeos OneFootball

Messi left Europe and headed for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. He joined the MLS club ahead of next season to much fanfare.

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas explained how they managed to snap up the 35-year-old attacker. He also announced when the player will make his debut.

In an interview with reporters, he revealed that (via Axios);

The former Barcelona attacker will earn around $50 to $60 million yearly.
And then he will get an ownership stake in Inter Miami.
Also, Messi has deals with Apple, Adidas, and potentially Fanatics.
There is no direct subsidy from MLS.
Messi will debut with Inter Miami CF on July 21 in a home game against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Furthermore, Messi did not ask the club to sign any other players.
However, Inter Miami want to sign Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
In addition, the MLS will not make any changes in the roster rules for Messi.
The parties have agreed to terms but must finalise details and paperwork and handle visa arrangements.

Mas said they had shortlisted three managers to take over the club as head coach following the dismissal of Phil Neville.

Gerard Tata Martino is currently the leading candidate to take the job. The manager has coached Messi at Barca and the Argentine national team.

Additionally, Mas said they would expand Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to accommodate 2,000-3,000 more seats. They plan to move to a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in 2025.

Inter Miami are in talks to make a video about how they recruited Messi.

Mas negotiated with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge. They had been in discussions about a transfer since 2019.

Mas, alongside his brother Jose and David Beckham, led negotiations. The three men own the club.