Argentinian football player Lionel Messi has entered the club of sports billionaires after his total net worth exceeded $1 billion, almost three years after joining American club Inter Miami CF, according to a Bloomberg report.
This move, as stated, was not only the financial end of his career, but a strategic decision that brought him strong commercial benefits and long-term business opportunities.
According to club co-owner Jorge Mas, Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million a year at Inter Miami when all income is included, including sponsorship and marketing deals associated with companies such as Apple and Adidas.
Unlike standard player contracts, his move to MLS included a broader business structure, making him part of the club’s long-term development.
Messi later extended his contract, and MLS confirmed that the cooperation lasts until 2028.
Beckham’s example and the growth of Inter Miami
Former England international David Beckham, who co-owns Inter Miami, has already shown how MLS can bring great financial success through ownership stakes and club development.
According to the “Sunday Times Rich List”, Beckham and his wife Victoria are estimated to have a combined fortune of around £1.185 billion.
Messi has now reached a similar financial level, but through his playing career and global brand, while Beckham has achieved it through his ownership structure and business.
Rejected offers from Saudi Arabia
Before arriving in the US in 2023, Messi was reportedly offered significantly higher financial offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, which could bring hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
However, the move to Miami gave him access to the American sports market, global streaming platforms, as well as future business shares in the club.
Inter Miami as a global business project
The arrival of Messi significantly increased the value of Inter Miami, which today is estimated at about 1.45 billion dollars.
His influence is reflected in the growth of sales of tickets, jerseys, sponsorships and global attention to the club and the MLS league.
With that, Inter Miami became one of the most prominent examples of how the arrival of one player can transform the market value of a sports club, while Messi simultaneously entered the financial top of world sports.
(Vijesti.ba)
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