Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores against Mexico in World Cup Qatar 2022 group play. (FIFA photo)
June 8, 2023
Argentinian World Cup soccer champion Lionel Messi is set to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, in a major move that brings arguably the world’s greatest soccer player to American shores.
Included in the deal reportedly would be a cut of subscription revenue from Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass, which costs $14.99 monthly for non-Apple TV+ subscribers and $12.99 for current Apple TV+ subs.
“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami,” Messi told the Spanish media. “I still don’t have it agreed upon 100% and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there.”
Messi, who helped guide Argentina to victory over France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards signifying the best soccer player of the year, and a record six European Golden Shoes as the year’s top goal scorer. Until the 2021 season in France, Messi had spent his entire professional career playing in Spain.
While the deal has not been finalized, Major League Soccer was quick to jump on the welcome Messi bandwagon.
“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” MLS said in a statement on it social media platform. “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”