With his Paris Saint-Germain contract officially expired since last Friday, Lionel Messi is set to complete his free transfer to MLS side Inter Miami, having opted for the Florida in spite of a reported offer from Saudi Arabia.
In an interview with Spanish daily El País, the club’s co-owner Jorge Mas – who is also president of Real Zaragoza – has discussed some of the details of the negotiations that brought the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner over to the United States.
In particular, the American businessman indicates that Messi will earn between $50m and $60m. Added to this will be a share of shirt sales, as well as a slice of broadcasting rights income and a stake in the club itself once the forward retires.
Mas has also explained that the former Barcelona man’s arrival has been several years in the making, with project being drawn up as early as 2019, and that “intense” talks had been taking place for the last 18 months. He adds that Apple TV’s long-term broadcasting deal with the MLS was decisive in getting the deal across the line.
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