The arrival of Lionel Messi to the MLS is set to commence on the rocks, as some teams’ owners are infuriated over him signing for Inter Miami, according to reports.
Messi landed in South Beach on the 11th of July, 2023 ahead of his unveiling by Inter Miami on July 16.
The 36-year-old will pen a two-and-a-half year deal with Inter Miami, with an option for an additional season at the MLS club.
According to Sportico, owners of rival clubs have expressed their anger over not being acquainted with the details of Messi’s deal and are reportedly angry over the MLS lack of transparency.
The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner accepted Inter Miami’s offer in June which will see him earn between the region of $50 million and $60 million.
Lionel Messi’s salary to be supplemented by Apple TV
A larger percentage of that wage will be augmented by Apple TV, the media partner of the MLS.
These club owners are said to be perturbed about the lack of transparency over the after effect of Lionel Messi’s deal and the influence it could have on their teams and their funding.
The notable worry is reportedly emanating from confusion over the responsibility Messi could have in his new partnership with Apple.
An unnamed club owner expressed the concern of not knowing if actually the deal is an excellent one when he hasn’t been acquainted over the details of the deal.
He said: “It’s fun to think about all the ways this could transform the league, But how do I know if I like the deal when I don’t know what’s in the deal?”
Apple TV are the current owners of the right to broadcast MLS matches in the United States Of America, following an agreement for a 10-year-deal with the MLS.
The agreement between the two parties is about a minimum of $2.5 billion and Lionel Messi is expected to receive a percentage of it, after signing for Inter Miami.
However, it is uncertain how much the Argentine will be paid out of the mammoth sum.
Some club owners are unbothered with Lionel Messi transfer to Inter Miami
Meanwhile, there is a divergence in thought for some club owners as they aren’t concerned about the deal.
One said: “As long as I don’t go backwards, I’m not concerned in any way if he’s sharing in upside that he’s driving, because it likely wouldn’t be there without him.”
The club hierarchies are set to meet in Washington DC, prior to the All-star encounter against Arsenal on the 20th of July, 2023.
Many topical issues will be discussed but Lionel Messi’s deal to Inter Miami will most likely be at the summit of the agenda.
Messi will be unveiled by the Miami based club on Sunday night, June 16, 2023 and is expected to make his MLS debut on Thursday, January 21, 2023.
His expected debut will come against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Messi is happy to join Inter Miami
The Argentine has in the past spoken about how delighted he is, with his decision to join Inter Miami in spite of offers from Saudi Arabia.
He said: “We are happy with the decision we made. Prepared and eager to face the new challenge, the new change.”
Lionel Messi’s arrival to MLS is expected to astronomically improve the league, Inter Miami and Sports in the United States Of America.
Teammate at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets also snubbed offers from Saudi Arabia to join Messi in Miami. Jordi Alba is also expected to join the club this summer.
The Herons are in serious need of quality players given the epileptic and abysmal season they have had.
Inter Miami are bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and they are on an horrendous run of 10 matches without a win.
David Beckham’s side are also eight massive points adrift in the playoffs and their woes might be compounded more in the coming days.
They play Saint Louis City, who currently occupy the top spot in the Western Conference on the 15th of June, 2023.
The encounter will also be the first game newly appointed Inter Miami manager Tata Martino will be managing.
Martino also previously managed Messi during his time as manager of Spanish giants Barcelona.
