Lionel Messi, sport’s most coveted and accomplished athlete in its history, continues to add to his miraculous career at Inter Miami.
On July 15th, 2023, Messi shocked the football world and joined Inter Miami, many thought he would go back to Barcelona, where he would build upon his once in lifetime career and team up with fellow football legend Robert Lewandoski.
Some thought he might even follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps and join a Saudi Arabia team in Al Hilal, which offered him over 1.5 billion dollars for 3 years.
It seems the massive amounts of money weren’t enough for Messi to move to a Saudi league, and instead, he opted to follow in the footsteps of fellow football star and friend David Beckham.
Messi will get shares of Apple, a percentage of his jersey sales, and a few other incentives, along with shares in an MLS team after he retires.
It has always been a dream of Messi’s to play in the United States, and now that he is, he is putting the MLS on notice. When singing with Inter Miami specifically, Messi was thinking of life beyond football, the lifestyle of Miami, and deals with major brands that can extend his money portfolio.
Apart from the massive deal Messi got to join Inter Miami, there is now an immense spotlight on the MLS that it has never gotten before, something they must capitalize on.
Football is the world’s biggest sport and it brings a tremendous amount of revenue to countries, obviously, the more skilled the more viewers they gain, and of course, the league gains more money. The most skilled leagues are currently residing in England (Premier League), Germany (Bundesliga), and Spain (La Liga).
If the MLS can reach an international level like these 3 leagues it would be amazing for America. Messi can bring competition to the American league enabling it to compete on a national level. Similar to what Ronaldo has been doing for the Saudi Arabia league as many football stars are following in his footsteps, and joining him in the league.
Players like Benzema, Kante, and most recently one of football’s biggest stars Neymar Jr, it is only a matter of time before star players seek to play with and against Messi in the MLS.
Business aside Messi counties to leave the football world in awe even in the ladder stage of his career, as Messi, in his first 6 appearances already has 9 goals, winning all 6 games.
This is a big deal for the club in Miami as they sit alone as the worst team in MLS play, Messi has come in to change the culture of the club and is making them look like one of the best teams in the league.
Making his debut against Cruz Azul, Inter Miami’s first match of the league cup sold out and had a huge show out of American celebrities and icons to watch Messi’s debut game in the States.
People like NBA star LeBron James, women’s tennis phenom Serena Willaims, and social media superstar Darren Watkins Jr., better known by his stage name Speed.
Although the game started with a great absence on the field, Messi was on the bench. It wouldn’t be until the 54th minute of the match that Messi would check into the game, with Inter Miami being up a goal.
11 minutes later in the 65th minute of the game Cruz Azul’s Uriel Antuna would score a goal tying the game up 1-1. Leaving the game in a stalemate through the 90th minute.
At the end of regulation, 4 minutes were added, giving Messi the chance to perform a miracle, and in typical fashion, that is exactly what Messi did. In the 93rd minute, he draws a foul a little outside of the goalie’s box, setting him up for a free kick and a chance to win the game in his debut.
With the stadium in dead silence and all eyes on number 10, Messi takes 2 steps up to the ball laying on the turf and boots it with his patented left foot, flying through the air it slips over the goalie’s hand ripping through the top left corner of the net.
This is just the beginning of the end for Football’s superstar, as winning 6 games in the League Cup has put them in the Cup Final against Nashville on August 19th at 6 PM.
As Messi’s career ends many are sad to see him on his last stretch but it is spectacular to see that he is still in top condition and producing at the level he is producing at.
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