World champion Lionel Messi will not move to Saudi Arabia, according to The Athletic. A transfer to al-Hilal is “out of the question”, the superstar wants to go back to his heart club FC Barcelona or to the USA.
As a result, Major League Soccer (MLS) and Inter Miami, co-owner David Beckham, are trying to bring the seven-time world footballer (35) to the United States after his end at Paris Saint-Germain.
‘Everything on the table’ at Inter Miami
The league got creative. “Everything is on the table,” said an MLS representative. MLS’ offer to Messi includes payments from the two biggest league sponsors.
The MLS and the tech giant Apple want to offer Messi a share of the streaming revenues. Apple and MLS signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal earlier this month. Apple also announced on Tuesday that it would air a four-part documentary series covering Messi’s five World Cup appearances. Adidas, one of the biggest MLS sponsors, is said to be preparing its own agreement. They offer Messi a profit-sharing deal with the sportswear giant. Messi already has a lifetime contract with the German company.
Barcelona lures with nostalgia
On Monday, a short video in Spain had once again fueled speculation about a return to Barcelona. Sports journalist Toni Juanmarti posted footage on Twitter showing Messi’s father and manager Jorge entering the home of Barca club boss Joan Laporta on Monday.
After two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, the seven-time world footballer is leaving the French champions in the summer. The Argentine’s contract expires on June 30 and Messi can then move on a free transfer. According to media reports, the Saudi club al-Hilal offers Messi an annual salary of well over 300 million euros.
The offer from the USA of 54 million dollars (50.5 million euros) per year – based purely on the regular salary – sounds comparatively modest. But even before his move to Paris, the rumor had spread that Messi would also be guaranteed club shares if he signed for Miami.