Big Boost for MLS as Messi Moves to Inter Miami

It's a huge day for Major League Soccer in the United States as Messi moves to Inter Miami bringing his star to American soccer. In the US, the game is preferentially 'soccer' to avoid confusion with American Football.

Messi's Move to Inter Miami a Huge Boost for MLS

Messi's move to Inter Miami is a huge huge boost for MLS as the world's greatest brings with him tremendous media attention. Consequently, American soccer is set to become more visible around the world. Messi's move remains unexplained, however, but the star is set to make a statement soon and explain why he opted for Inter Miami and not Barca or Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi will clarify the reasons and details of his decision to join Inter Miami in the next hours. 🇦🇷🇺🇸 #MLS

Deal will be valid with immediate effect as Jorge Messi is planning to travel to Miami later tonight. pic.twitter.com/eFxgfXzfqa — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023

Who Owns Inter Miami?

Inter Miami is owned by Man United legend David Beckham. The English legend has finally landed Messi, after reportedly trying to get him for over five years. When asked back in 2020 whether he had his sights on Messi or CR7, Beckham said: "Everyone has their wish list, everyone does, but if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don't see it ending for them."

"They're playing at such a high level that it's hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at, but we will see. You never know what can happen in football." Inter Miami debuted in the MLS back in 2020.

Is Messi's Move to Inter Miami His Way of Retiring?

Despite his reasons, many fans are concerned about whether Messi's move to Inter Miami is his way of retiring. We have seen other huge stars - who are in their late thirties - move to less prominent and high-paying clubs, as they come closer to the end of their career. The best example is obviously Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. In the same light, Messi is probably moving to Inter Miami to play out his few remaining years, before taking a step back and retiring from professional soccer.

Read about whether Cristiano's move to Al Nassr is his way of retiring below.

Is the Move a Money Play?

In all honesty, when you are playing at the level Messi plays, money does count and it counts a lot. Messi is perhaps the most expensive player in the world and for any club to sign him, they have to bring out a checkbook or two to make that happen. As such, even as his move to Inter Miami is not perceivably about the money, the money does matter and it matters a lot.

The Big Winners as a Result of Messi's Move to MLS

Those who will benefit the most from Messi's move to MLS are obviously the broadcasters and streaming giants like Apple TV+. Apple has broadcasting rights for MLS for the next decade, and they are set to benefit greatly as they'll see increases in subscriptions globally, as more people follow Messi to the league. More importantly, the biggest winner of all will be the league itself and MLS will be thrust into the global scene, much to the benefit of the league, its players, and the teams who take part.

🚨🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours #InterMiami 🇺🇸

Messi will play in MLS. No more chances for Barcelona/Al Hilal despite trying to make it happen. 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎 #Messi #MLS pic.twitter.com/OTYWIlEzNc — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023

Why Did Messi Not Go Back to Barcelona?

Messi's reason for not going back to Barcelona is unknown. We can, however, guess that Messi didn't go back to Barca because of La Liga's financial laws. Messi is a high-salary player and the new La Liga financial laws would be a considerable impediment to him going back to the team.

Update(8th June, 4:50 PM): Messi has since revealed the reason he did not go back to Barca saying that he did not want them to have to cut players' salaries to accommodate him despite a green light from the La Liga. Messi: "I heard reports of La Liga giving the green light but the truth is that many, really many things were still missing in order to make my return to Barça happen", told MD 🔵🔴 #FCB "I didn't want to be responsible for them to sell players or reduce salaries. I was tired". pic.twitter.com/krdebk5t1C — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023

Why Did Messi Not Go to Al Hilal?

We also don't know why Messi didn't choose Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia as his destination. We can, however, guess that it was his personal preference to move to Inter Miami instead, as he probably felt that life in Miami would be more similar to home as compared to life in Saudi Arabia. As a family man, Messi also has to consider the city where he'll be playing and whether his family would be comfortable and happy there. It's an added advantage that he own a home in Miami and has dream of playing in the US.

🏚 Owns a home in Miami 💭 'Always been a dream of mine to play in USA' 🗣 David Beckham influential in move 👀 Key to 2026 World Cup build up in #USA & #CAN 💰 Become highest-paid MLS player ever Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. 2023. 🇺🇸✍️ pic.twitter.com/wQdQ7Yv3wF— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) November 28, 2022

Messi probably didn't also want to play in Saudi Arabia and keep being compared to CR7. All in all, we wish Messi all the best and hope that this move proves a wonderful time for him and his career.