Apple & Adidas Eye Over Lionel Messi’s Move to Inter Miami

The world of soccer is alight with speculation after reports emerged that Lionel Messi has decided where his future lies. After revealing he is set to leave his current club Barcelona, various teams from across the globe have been vying for the 35–year–old‘s services.

However, it appears that Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit owned by former England captain David Beckham, have won the race for Messi. In a highly competitive market, news reports suggest that Inter Miami have trumped offers from rivals Barcelona and Saudi Arabian outfit Al–Hilal to acquire the Argentina international‘s signature.

According to the BBC, the offer which swayed Messi is believed to be one of financial motivation, where two commercial partners of the MLS; Apple and Adidas, will provide him with a cut of any revenue generated through his involvement in the United States.

Messi’s arrival stateside could have massive implications for the MLS franchise owned by Beckham. Corporate giants Apple and Adidas have both entered into discussions with the league to provide Messi with a share of any revenues generated. Sources within the league have revealed that Apple have offered the forward a percentage of any new MLS Season Pass subscribers while Adidas have proposed giving him a cut of any increase in their profits which may result from his involvement.

Apple is no stranger to star power. The tech giant has been working with the new Vision Pro for next year release to bring their brand closer to the sports star’s club Inter Miami and fans? . But this deal with Messi is on a different level entirely.

Not only has Apple reportedly offered up a share of the profits generated through MLS Season Pass subscription, the industry giant , while Adidas Kanye West’s struggles to launch the Yeezy product range is one example of how the negotiations have to tread carefully when it comes to these mega superstar deals.

The Sali Pro League has also been heavily linked with obtaining his services, notably with the reports that his age-old rival and current Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo commands an astronomical $213 million yearly salary. It looks as though this offer has also been turned down as well as a potential move back to Barcelona, where the former forward made his name and achieved legendary status over a 17 year spell.

The chance to spend more time in Miami, where Messi owns a home, could have been the deciding factor in a decision which could potentially alter the professional career of one of the game’s greatest ever players. Herons fans will be eagerly anticipating the forward’s debut for the franchise, which is slated to be against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 at the DRV PNK Stadium.