Inside the Lionel Messi to Inter Miami deal — seeing off Saudis, equity offers and Beckham and Co.’s secret trip
1 year, 5 months ago

Inside the Lionel Messi to Inter Miami deal — seeing off Saudis, equity offers and Beckham and Co.’s secret trip

New York Times  

Editor’s Note: This story is included in The Athletic’s Best of 2023. Here, The Athletic details: Why Messi chose Miami over Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia How the courtship culminated in an announcement from Messi that, despite months of planning, caught many by surprise Why Miami have given Messi equity in the club as part of his deal Mas’ seat in Messi’s box at the World Cup final The talks that brought Apple to the table, with Messi offered a share of new international subscribers How Messi’s deal is structured to make him the highest-paid player in MLS history, and how corporate partners played a role in the negotiations. “I am optimistic Messi will play in an Inter Miami shirt because I think it will complete the legacy of the greatest player in our generation and will meet with the ambitions of the owners of Inter Miami to build a world-class team.” Now, four years after that expansion announcement, the Mas brothers told the group at the 1 Hotel they were prepared to make a real push to sign the Argentine legend. Mas is a showman, he wants to entertain, but he felt there was an important element in the chase for Messi’s signature that could set Inter Miami apart from other bidders: discretion. The shared background helped foster a relationship, and while Inter Miami has not been directly involved in Apple’s discussions with Messi, Apple’s involvement undoubtedly added another compelling reason for him to choose MLS.

History of this topic

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez's sons make debuts at Argentina youth tournament for Inter Miami
3 weeks, 5 days ago
Lionel Messi has his new coach: Javier Mascherano’s hiring by Inter Miami is now complete
4 weeks ago
Mascherano favourite to become coach of Lionel Messi and Co. at Inter Miami after Martino
1 month ago
Messi Reinvents Himself to Lead Inter Miami to Success
1 month, 3 weeks ago
Lionel Messi set to return to Inter Miami lineup after 2-month injury recovery
3 months, 1 week ago
Lionel Messi begins on-field workouts, could rejoin Inter Miami before MLS playoffs
4 months ago
Raul Sanllehi: Inter Miami names former Arsenal and Barcelona exec president of football operations
6 months, 1 week ago
Messi to Miami: Soccer star, and a few teammates, show up for Heat-Celtics game
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Messi dealing with injury in right hamstring area, likely will miss Miami’s match versus D.C. United
9 months, 1 week ago
Hernández: Young Galaxy prove Lionel Messi's magic is fading
9 months, 4 weeks ago
Messi’s Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys draw 1-1 in friendly
10 months, 1 week ago
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Newell's Old Boys Play Out 1-1 Draw in Friendly
10 months, 1 week ago
Lionel Messi’s global tour with Inter Miami has been very messy and a PR nightmare
10 months, 2 weeks ago
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Teammates Enjoy Dinner With Modern Family Star Sofia Vergara
11 months ago
After reunion with Messi at Inter Miami, Suarez targets Copa America
11 months, 1 week ago
Lionel Messi Admits His Attraction to Join 'Very Powerful' Saudi Pro League
1 year ago
No Messi vs Ronaldo as Inter Miami says no deal in place to play in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 1 month ago
Lionel Messi Ruled Out For Inter Miami's Home Finale, Might Return To Play Charlotte
1 year, 2 months ago
Messi out for Inter Miami’s home finale, says he wants to play Saturday at Charlotte
1 year, 2 months ago
Messi’s Inter Miami team strikes 2-game deal to play in China in November
1 year, 2 months ago
Speculation Rife About Lionel Messi Making A Return To Barcelona: Report
1 year, 2 months ago
Messi Mania has grabbed hold in Major League Soccer, but will it be a long-lasting boost?
1 year, 2 months ago
WATCH: Inter Miami’s Clever Way of Increasing Lionel Messi Shirt Sales
1 year, 3 months ago
LAFC players say Lionel Messi makes Inter Miami a Cup contender
1 year, 3 months ago
Lionel Messi to miss one Inter Miami MLS match due to Argentina FIFA World Cup duty: Report
1 year, 3 months ago
Messi speaks publicly for 1st time since joining Inter Miami and says he’s happy with his choice
1 year, 4 months ago
Lionel Messi scores a sensational game-winning goal on a free kick in his Inter Miami debut
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi arrives as Inter Miami faces Cruz Azul
1 year, 5 months ago
‘Transformational’ moment: Lionel Messi set for Inter Miami debut
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi starts his new job in the Florida heat at Inter Miami
1 year, 5 months ago
Jordi Alba to reunite with Barcelona legends Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami
1 year, 5 months ago
After Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, another Barcelona legend set to join Inter Miami
1 year, 5 months ago
WATCH: Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in Good Spirits During First Inter Miami Training Session
1 year, 5 months ago
WATCH | Lionel Messi officially unveiled as Inter Miami player
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi is America's No 10, says Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas
1 year, 5 months ago
In Pictures: Inter Miami officially unveils Lionel Messi
1 year, 5 months ago
Inter Miami unveil Lionel Messi, sign Sergio Busquets
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi introduced by Inter Miami and Major League Soccer
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi can't come soon enough! Inter Miami makes it ELEVEN games without a win
1 year, 5 months ago
David Beckham welcomes Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in historic move
1 year, 5 months ago
Messi completes signing for Inter Miami on deal until 2025
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi officially joins Inter Miami, set to don jersey No. 10 again
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi makes it official by signing with Inter Miami and Major League Soccer
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi narrowly escapes accident, ahead of Inter Miami debut
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi signs contract with Inter Miami through 2025
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi to Inter Miami: David Beckham reveals first reaction to Argentina star's transfer announcement
1 year, 5 months ago
Lionel Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut July 21
1 year, 6 months ago
Major League Soccer: Lionel Messi expected to make Inter Miami debut in home fixture on 21 July
1 year, 6 months ago
Messi in Miami: A thriving football scene readies for the ‘GOAT’
1 year, 6 months ago

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