Messi Chooses Miami 🌴

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Messi Chooses Miami

I didn’t think I would write that headline, but it’s here, and it's big news for a sport I love and still play.

Inter Miami's signing of Lionel Messi should boost Major League Soccer's prestige and relevance as the 35-year-old legend prepares to work magic in South Florida's DRV PNK Stadium.

The Argentinian's Inter Miami debut could come as soon as July 21, when the team faces Cruz Azul in Miami for a Leagues Cup match. Tickets for the game saw a 1,034% increase in price, according to TickPick, as the anticipation to witness the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner on the pitch grows.

Messi's move also saw a million more Instagram followers added to Inter Miami's account, doubling the team's audience on the social media platform in a single day.

While the football star reportedly turned down $400 million to join a Saudi Arabian club, his Inter Miami deal offers him a percentage of all new subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.

This shows that the value of the 10-year, $2.5 billion media rights deal exclusively broadcasting games worldwide has increased significantly due to Messi's inclusion in the league. Additionally, the Adidas apparel deal with MLS, which was renewed before this season, could lead to profit-sharing with Messi.

The Argentine legend has been a significant and positive influence on football as his skills inspire and bring joy to many fans.

His ties with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and his decision to own a home in Miami may have influenced his choice to join the club, and it's a decision that bodes well for MLS as a whole. With matches scheduled in different states across the US, fans will have the opportunity to partake in live matches, where Messi can inspire a new generation of football stars to come.

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