It would go down as the biggest coup in MLS history if David Beckham can close out a deal to bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
The iconic forward will depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer following two years in the French capital, with his impending departure having inspired a clamour for his signature. It had been mooted that the Argentinian superstar could join old foe Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia next season, with former club Barcelona also keeping tabs on his availability.
However, it appears that the World Cup winner could be ready to snub the advances of both the Saudi Pro League and Barcelona to move stateside. Beckham's MLS franchise is said to be 'optimistic' regarding the chances of Messi committing to a move to South Beach.
According to the Athletic, one MLS stakeholder has revealed that 'the league has gotten very creative' as it looks to engineer a deal for Messi, adding that 'everything is on the table' with commercial partners playing a big role.
The transfer could well consist of contributions from both Apple and Adidas, with the two companies among the MLS' leading commercial partners. Both of these corporate giants have a relationship with the Argentinian ace, with the former having announced a docuseries charting the superstar's World Cup performances on Apple + on Tuesday, with the latter having had a partnership with Messi going back to 2007.
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In the case of Apple, it could well transpire that they are able to offer Messi a share of revenue earned through the MLS Season Pass, which is the league’s streaming package on Apple TV, the Athletic reports. Likewise, sources told the publication that the departing PSG star is reportedly being offered being offered a 'profit-sharing agreement' with Adidas which could see him net a cut of 'any increase in their profits resulting from his involvement in MLS'.
It also is a possibility that Messi would be offered the chance to purchase a stake in an MLS team, upon the conclusion of any potential contract he would sign. In this sense, this scenario would mirror the one which enticed Beckham to join LA Galaxy some 16 years ago, with the former England captain having been offered an expansion franchise for $25 million.
If the MLS franchise is able to strike a deal for Messi to join, it is possible that he could make his debut on July 21, in a Leagues Cup match versus Mexican outfit Cruz Azul. The game is set to be held at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.
