Inter Miami’s Messi Miracle
In the world of football, few names shine as brightly as Lionel Messi's. The Argentine sensation has excited fans around the globe with his mesmerizing skills and record-breaking performances. When it was announced that Messi would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the footballing world held its breath, waiting to see where this football legend would land.
In a twist that stunned fans and pundits alike, Messi chose to take his talents to Major League Soccer (MLS) and join Inter Miami. This decision marked the culmination of a four-year project that involved intricate negotiations, unprecedented ambitions, and an audacious vision for the future of football in the United States.
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The Meeting in Barcelona: Planting the Seed
The Messi-to-Miami journey commenced in September 2019 when Inter Miami's owners, Jorge Mas and global football icon David Beckham, along with former sporting director Paul McDonough, ventured to Barcelona. Their mission? To meet Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi. The meeting, initially a "get to know you" session, had profound implications. Mas, a 60-year-old billionaire chairman of Mass Tech, a South Florida-based Fortune 400 company, expressed his deep affection for the city of Miami. Jorge Messi, on the other hand, spoke about his son's enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of soccer in the U.S. This initial conversation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a groundbreaking signing.
MLS Board of Governors Meeting: The Ambitious Pitch
Fast forward to November 2022, a pivotal moment in the Messi-Miami saga unfolded at the MLS Board of Governors meeting held at the One Hotel in Brooklyn. League Commissioner Don Garber, Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott, Chief Financial Officer Sean Prendergast, and Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas convened to discuss the audacious pursuit of Messi. From the outset, the Mas brothers, in collaboration with David Beckham, had displayed unbridled ambition, vowing to attract the world's biggest footballing stars.
At the November meeting, the Mas brothers presented their plan for luring Messi to MLS. The possibilities seemed limitless, as there were no financial restrictions on what Miami could offer. Among the unconventional ideas discussed was the provision of an equity stake in Inter Miami—an extraordinary move reminiscent of David Beckham's deal, which included an option to purchase an expansion team for a fixed fee of $25 million. This pivotal meeting laid the foundation for the offer they would eventually present to Messi.
Image: Apple
Apple's Involvement: A Game-Changing Partnership
In April 2023, the MLS Board of Governors convened once again, this time in Northern California. During this meeting, the owners also toured the headquarters of their new media partner, Apple. The potential for Messi to drive subscriptions for the MLS season pass app on Apple TV quickly became apparent, and discussions with the global tech giant progressed favorably. The shared Cuban-American background between Inter Miami and Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, Eddie Q, facilitated a positive rapport, providing another compelling reason for Messi to choose MLS.
The Negotiations: A Multifaceted Deal
As negotiations continued, it became evident by May that Messi was genuinely considering the move. Jorge Mas flew to Spain to meet with Jorge Messi and underscore what Miami could offer his son. Miami's proximity to Buenos Aires, in contrast to other destinations, was a critical selling point, as was the opportunity for Messi's involvement in the team and the sport post-retirement. The offer included equity in Inter Miami, potential partnerships with Apple, MLS, and collaborations with apparel and merchandise partners Fanatics and Adidas.
The Saudi Arabian Challenge: A Persistent Rival
Despite Inter Miami's relentless pursuit, Saudi Arabia remained a formidable obstacle. Reports indicated that they were willing to offer Messi a staggering $1.3 billion over three years. Yet, Jorge Mas maintained his optimism. Six weeks after their final pitch in Spain, the momentous decision came on June 7th, 2023—Lionel Messi chose Miami.
Image: Reuters
The Unveiling: A Global Sensation
The announcement of Messi's move to MLS created an electrifying buzz, catching MLS league executives off guard, as no contract had yet been signed. Owners congratulated Commissioner Garber, but the deal was not officially sealed. Intense negotiations followed, culminating in a contract estimated to be worth between $50 and $70 million annually, contingent on the valuation of equity in the team.
More than a month passed before the contract was signed, during which time Messi fever took hold. Ticket prices for Miami's games skyrocketed, reaching astronomical levels on reselling sites. Finally, on July 11th, Messi arrived at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. His first days in Miami were surreal, with images of him circulating all over social media. In a fairy-tale ending, he scored a free-kick in the 94th minute of his debut, securing a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul in the League's Cup. It was just the beginning of his journey in the United States.
Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami is a story of ambition, audacity, and meticulous planning. It's a tale of how a franchise, backed by influential figures and innovative partnerships, managed to secure one of the greatest footballers of all time. As Messi embarks on this new chapter in his illustrious career, his presence promises to reshape the landscape of American soccer and elevate MLS to unprecedented heights.