June 9th, 2023

Messi is headed to the MLS! Now, some might say that this is a move typically reserved for aging players looking to wind down their careers while soaking up some Californian sunshine. But let's not be too quick to judge - after all, Messi is still at the top of his game, and he's got plenty of gas left in the tank.  It's true that the MLS has been growing at a meteoric pace in recent years, and Messi is no doubt looking to be a part of that exciting trajectory. And who can blame him? With the chance to play at a high level and even take part in ownership down the line, the MLS is a tempting destination for any player right now.  We all know that Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory just a few short months ago, and he's currently a frontrunner for the Ballon D'or.  And let's not forget about his World Cup teammate Thiago Almada, who made history as the first MLS player to win the World Cup.  So, why would someone of Messi's caliber choose to join the last place team in the Eastern Conference of the MLS? Well, it just goes to show that sometimes, it's not just about the destination - it's about the journey. And with Messi on board, who knows what the future holds for Inter Miami.

David Beckham isn't the only soccer superstar with a penchant for ownership. In fact, it looks like Lionel Messi is following in his footsteps! Just like Beckham, Messi was offered a sweet deal to own a stake in a future MLS club.  But that's not all - Messi's contract also includes a stake in Apple's MLS season pass. That means every time someone signs up to watch the league on the streaming service, a portion of their payment goes straight into Messi's bank account.  And let's not forget about the MLS's brand deal with Adidas - the same company that sponsors Messi. It's no surprise that a percentage of shirt sales will be heading straight into the pocket of the soccer superstar as well.  Now, I know what you're thinking - the price tag for this deal might not be as eye-watering as the one Saudi Arabia was offering. But with the added bonus of an ownership clause and the fact that Messi's family already owns a house in Miami and loves spending time there, it's not hard to see why he jumped at the chance to join Inter Miami.  Who knows - with all these business ventures and ownership opportunities, we might just be looking at the next David Beckham...or should I say, the next Lionel Messi?

It's not every day that we get to watch one of the world's greatest players take on our own local talent.  And let's be real - the exposure that Messi will bring to the MLS is exactly what the league needs.  I don't know about you, but I'm already imagining Messi donning that iconic pink jersey and tearing up the field. And let's not forget about the scramble for tickets - I have a feeling they're going to be harder to come by than the pot at the end of the rainbow. But hey, it's all worth it to witness history in the making.  So here's to Messi and the MLS - may this be the start of a beautiful partnership. And if you'll excuse me, I'm off to do whatever it takes to secure my spot in the stands.

Hallzy